Description of Historic Place

The Geophysical Laboratory 3 is located at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa. The modern, two storey, L-shaped building has a prominent two-and-a-half storey entrance block. The exterior of the building is clad in brick. The windows are horizontally arranged, framed with a stone trim and set flush with the wall plane. A tall brick chimney projects from the building’s flat roof. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Geophysical Laboratory 3 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value
The Geophysical Laboratory 3 is closely associated with the accelerated growth of the area of study dealing with gravity, geomagnetism and solar physics in Canada. The building is also associated with Dr. Morris J.S. Innes who was the director of the division developing specialized instruments for the field of geophysics. The building is connected with the second phase of work conducted at the Dominion Observatory, and was one of a wave of government research buildings constructed around Ottawa.

Architectural Value
The Geophysical Laboratory 3 is valued for its good aesthetic design executed in the International Style, which was adopted for federal buildings during the mid-1950s. In keeping with this style, the massing reflects internal layouts, indicative of a good functional design. The rectilinear forms and materials have simple modern detailing and a variety of glazing types.

Environmental Value
The Geophysical Laboratory 3 is compatible with the character of its park-like setting at the experimental farm and is a familiar building within the immediate area.

Sources:
Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ontario, Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office, NOTES 92-037.

The Geophysical Laboratory, Building #3, Central Experimental Farm. Ottawa, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement, 92-037.

Character-Defining Elements

The following character-defining elements of the Geophysical Laboratory 3 should be respected, for example:

Its good International Style design, good functional design and good materials and craftsmanship, for example:
The simple, flat-roofed, two storey, L-shaped structure; The asymmetrical massing, consisting of blocks that contain the entrance, an auditorium, and office/ laboratories, all of which are distinguished by a variety of fenestration types expressing the diverse functions of each block; The low form and horizontal emphasis of the building are accentuated; The smooth brick walls with stone trim set flush with the wall plane and the vertical panels; The metal detailing in the simple, horizontal planes of the entrance canopies, the lettering and the cast ornament above the entrance; The central corridor plan and the laboratory / office layouts.

The manner in which the Geophysical Laboratory 3 is compatible with the character of its park-like setting at the experimental farm and is a neighbourhood landmark, as evidenced by:
Its overall scale and materials, which harmonize with its surrounding buildings and the groomed landscape at the Observatory Campus; Its location at the Observatory Campus, which makes it a familiar building to visitors and employees of the farm.

Heritage Character Statement

Disclaimer - The heritage character statement was developed by FHBRO to explain the reasons for the designation of a federal heritage building and what it is about the building that makes it significant (the heritage character). It is a key reference document for anyone involved in planning interventions to federal heritage buildings and is used by FHBRO in their review of interventions.

The Geophysical Laboratory was constructed to provide office and laboratory facilities for the Dominion Observatories Branch 1954-55. It was designed by Gilleland and Strutt, architects, who also designed the addition of another wing in 1960. The custodian is Natural Resources Canada. See FHBRO Building Report 92-37.

Reasons for Designation

The Geophysical Laboratory was designated Recognized because of its architectural importance, its environmental significance, and also for its historical associations.

The Geophysical Laboratory is an example of the International style as used for federal buildings during the mid-1950s. In keeping with this style, the massing consists of several components which reflect internal layouts. The rectilinear forms and materials have simple modern detailing and a variety of glazing types are present.

The Geophysical Laboratory is situated in the groomed park-like setting of the Observatory Campus. The style of the building provides a contrast to the older adjacent buildings, however its scale and materials are compatible.

The Geophysical Laboratory is associated with the second phase of work at the Dominion Observatory, dealing with gravity, geomagnetism and solar physics. Its construction reflects accelerated growth in these three fields of study and was part of a wave of government research buildings constructed around Ottawa. The building is associated with Dr. Morris J.S.Innes who was the director of the division developing specialized instruments for the field of geophysics.

Character Defining Elements

The heritage character of the Geophysical Laboratory resides in the building's form, its overall proportions and its International style details, its construction materials, surviving interior layout and finishes, and its relationship to the site and setting.

The building is a simple flat-roofed two storey "L" shaped structure. A two-and-a-half storey entrance block links the later sympathetic addition. The asymmetrical massing, consisting of blocks containing the entrance, an auditorium, and office/laboratories, is distinguished by a variety of fenestration types expressing these diverse functions. This is typical of the International style and should not be altered.

The low form and horizontal emphasis of the building is emphasized by the brick walls with stone copings, stone sills, and stone surrounds with prominent vertical panels between windows. Regular inspection and maintenance of the masonry is recommended, particularly at the entrance parapet where water damage is evident.

The original design featured wood windows and doors, with the horizontal divisions of the windows reinforcing the horizontal emphasis of the facades. The current windows in aluminum have a lower horizontal line. When the windows and doors are at the end of their service life, they should be replaced with units that are compatible with the original design intent. The intended smooth lines of the International Style design are interrupted by air conditioners projecting through windows; this should be avoided, particularly on principal facades.

The metal detailing in the simple horizontal planes of the entrance canopies, the lettering and the cast ornament above the entrance are characteristic of the style and should be retained. Research should confirm if the upper guardrail over the entrance block is an early detail; depending on its vintage, it should be altered or removed as it appears to be contributing to masonry damage.

The original central corridor plan survives, as have the laboratory/office layouts. These should continue to be respected. The original interior finishes are largely extant and should be retained and incorporated into any new work.

The site has a simple manicured character that is appropriate to the building, however overgrown foundation planting should be minimized to maintain the prominence and clarity of the built forms. Site access and the footprint of the building are relatively unchanged and should be maintained. Stairs and handrails are simply detailed and compatible with the modern design.

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