Durham College (DC) Architectural Technician and Architectural Technology students will get the opportunity to put the skills they are learning in the classroom to use in the field as they contribute to Cobourg’s downtown vitalization initiative.

A partnership between the Town of Cobourg and DC has been struck to showcase conceptual design work complementary of the character and heritage of Cobourg’s downtown district. Beginning in the upcoming fall semester, students will be asked to come up with innovative and creative design concepts for five locations within Downtown Cobourg. The project is an opportunity for the students to gain practical and relevant experience in land use, site analysis and planning.

“We are thrilled to be working with the students and instructors in Durham College’s Architectural Technician and Architectural Technology programs,” said Alison Torrie-Lapaire, Heritage Planner for The Town of Cobourg. “It is my hope that the students will gain an appreciation for the potential that heritage properties hold, and that the final designs will provide us with some new ideas as to how these properties can accommodate the needs of the community, building owners and occupants while respecting and enhancing the character of the heritage district.”

Working in small groups students will analyze building codes and draft construction and design plans taking into account both urban design and the compatibility of new development in the heritage district, along with the potential for retrofitting existing historical structures. A half-day field trip is being planned so the Architectural students can visit Cobourg in September.

“On behalf of Durham College, I would like to express how pleased we are to be working in partnership with the Town of Cobourg on their downtown revitalization project,” said Sue Todd, dean of the School of Science & Engineering Technology. “Our Architectural Technician and Technology programs are focused on sustainable design and provide the practical and design knowledge required to succeed in this exciting field. We can’t think of a better project for our highly skilled students to demonstrate their talents in. Thank you to the Town of Cobourg for their confidence and support of Durham College and its students.”

By the end of the semester students will present their final design plans. The concepts that come out of these plans will be integrated into the existing sketch of Cobourg’s downtown and will help to illustrate a new vision and a fresh perspective while maximizing the potential of these select downtown properties.