the queenswood building

"Queenswood was inspired and evolved based on spirituality
and it developed in harmony with the contours of the site.
There was always the awareness of the descent and rise of the terrain,
and the orientation of light with the natural surroundings."
John A. Di Castri, Queenswood architect

Queenswood was built in 1966-67 by renowned Victoria architect John Di Castri. Di Castri designed many famous landmarks in Victoria, including Centennial Square, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind building, the Royal Trust Building (now known as “The Mosaic”), the Crystal Pool, and several buildings at the University of Victoria. Known for crisp straight lines, glass walls and flat roofs, his designs have been dubbed “West Coast Modern”. The shapes of his buildings have garnered much attention too. Queenswood’s layout is based on the human body: a helpful hint if you find yourself a bit lost in its corridors! This shape is especially apt for the mission of the Sisters of Saint Anne, for whom this building was originally designed. As nurses and teachers, they lived and worked to serve the basic needs of the human person. Nowadays, Queenswood continues as a legacy of the Sisters of Saint Anne, offering programs and services that help us to live full, flourishing human lives.

Architect's Statement (click on images to enlarge)

Man is more than an erect bi-ped who requires a physically created enclosure to provide shelter and sustain life. he also has an intellect and a spiritual dimension by which he is capable of developing a culture which reflects his values in respect to society and himself.

Architecture is the art and science of creating a built environment which acknowledges the needs of the whole person and contributes to the achievement of those sentient values which are essential in the care for the regeneration of the species within the context of available materials and monetary resources.

It is the responsibility of the architect, if he or she is to be worthy of the name, to profess a dedication and commitment to assist society in the arduous task of achieving these objectives.
To do this he must first of all learn his craft. He must know how to build.
The resources of his craft are the arts and sciences, materials and technology. He must understand the nature of materials and how they can by used in a way which respects their integrity. Technology should provide the means of achieving architecture, not be an end in itself. His vocabulary is space, light, rhythm, decoration and form.

While he must not fall prey to the sophistry of expediency, trendy hucksterism and fashion, he must still deal objectively and realistically with the demands of the market place.

As he is learning his craft, he must also be developing an awareness and understanding of the needs of people. Architecture is not a monument to the architect. It must be a joint endeavour by the architect and the client to achieve a goal which the architect is not only aware of, but also committed to. This condition applies equally to a mega project as well as a small house.

The site forms another element in the matrix of an architectural statement, whether it is in the urban centre or elsewhere. It is essential to understand the nature of the site and its characteristics to achieve a successful solution.

We hear much today about context, a term which has recently become fashionable. While contextual relationships are important they cannot be used to rationalize a totally emasculated architectural solution. Context must be studied and utilized to create a solution which will contribute to the existing fabric, while still retaining its own integrity.
Architecture is an undertaking which is answerable to the community at large. It is either a credit to those responsible for its achievement or a lamentable commentary on their values and priorities. Ironically, as in politics, we usually get the type of buildings we deserve.

Unfortunately because of our pragmatic media-oriented society, we are often inclined to look for the glitzy, trendy solutions which have as much depth of meaning as a video commercial.

Significant architecture is achieved when the pragmatic requirements are taken further by the creative imagination of the designer. Then we experience a built environment which responds to our deeper needs. It will nurture the whole person and add to the quality of life in the community.

People basically desire more than mere utilitarian buildings. This is evident in the pre-occupation with heritage preservation and classical revivalism. It is a manifestation of the awareness of those values which have been lost in our pursuit of materialism. We have become disenchanted with the many high-tech, high-return projects which form a large part of the so-called modern period.

People yearn for buildings which are based on the timeless standards of beauty, quality,harmony and integrity. We must not only desire these standards but demand them from all those who are responsible for the built environment, including the whole political structure which permits the type of communities we now have.

The work shown in this exhibit is representative of one architect's commitment to the fulfillment of man's need for a significant environment. It is a sincere hope that they will continue to be a positive influence for those who experience them and the community at large.

John A. Di Castri
Architect