DC architecture students showcase new designs for Town of Cobourg

Students from Durham College’s (DC) Architectural Technician and Architectural Technology programs presented their heritage-inspired designs for the Town of Cobourg’s Downtown Vitalization Action Committee, on December 4.

“The partnership between the Town of Cobourg and Durham College’s Architectural Technician and Architectural Technology programs has been very successful,” said Alison Torrie Lapaire, heritage planner for the Town of Cobourg. “The final designs that the students have presented reflect an appreciation of the potential that heritage properties hold, and provide us with some new, creative ideas for these properties.”

Students began work on the project in September as they were tasked with creating design work that would showcase the character and heritage of Downtown Cobourg. Groups of five were assigned specific sites including:

Site A – 1 King St. E. (former Liquidation World, Oddballs Bar and residential units)
Site B – 62 King St. W. (Bank of Montreal) and 52 King St. W. (former Bargain Shop)
Site C – 90 King St. W. (Green Canoe Outfitters) and 92 King St. W. (92 King Restaurant and residential units)
Site D – 98 King St. W. (H & R Block) and 100 King St. W. (Pizza and Stanley’s Fish and Chips)
Site E – 97-99 King St. W. (Northumberland Today), 101 King St. W. (Tile Studio) and 103 King St. W. (PJ’s Custom Outfitters)

During a September visit to the various sites, groups gathered information, took pictures and began assessing design particulars such as zoning by-laws, heritage/urban guidelines and feasibility reports.

“Cobourg is a great location for learning in the field,” said Ali Taileb, professor, School of Science & Engineering Technology (SET), DC. “Its strong heritage and the character of the architecture have given our students a great opportunity to hone their planning and design skills.”