The central building of the Université de Montréal, featuring light buff vitrified brick and Missisquoi marble trimmings, stands as a testament to the engineering and architectural precision of Ernest Cormier. Born in Montreal in 1885, he became a defining figure in Canadian design, bridging the gap between structural necessity and the stylistic demands of the Art Deco movement throughout the twentieth century.
Professional Formation and Training
Cormier initially trained in civil engineering at the École Polytechnique in Montreal, graduating in 1906 before beginning work at the Dominion Bridge Company. His formal architectural education took place at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris under Jean-Louis Pascal. After winning the Henry Jarvis Scholarship from the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1914, he spent two years studying ancient works in Rome. Upon returning to Paris in 1917, he worked for the engineering firm Considère, Pelnard et Caquot and earned the designation of architect of the French Government.
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Throughout his career, Cormier balanced teaching with large-scale projects. He served as a professor at the École Polytechnique from 1921 until 1954. His design portfolio includes the Supreme Court of Canada Building in Ottawa and significant educational infrastructure, such as St. Michael's College School and Carr Hall in Toronto. He also contributed his expertise as a design consultant for the United Nations building in New York City. In his home city, the Édifice Ernest-Cormier, which he co-designed, now serves as the Quebec Court of Appeal.
Academic and Residential Landmarks
His primary architectural legacy is the Roger Gaudry Building on the north slope of Mount Royal. Similarly, the Casault pavilion at Université Laval, which he completed after the death of Dom Bellot, functions as a massive, cathedral-like landmark for the campus. In the private sector, his own residence on Montreal's Pine Avenue remains recognized as a premier example of Art Deco residential architecture; it later served as the home of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
Awards and Formal Recognition
Cormier received wide recognition for his impact on the Canadian landscape. He was awarded the Acfas Urgel-Archambeault Award in 1953 and was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1974. Following his death in 1980, he was interred at the Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery in Montreal. In 2018, he was designated a Person of National Historic Significance, with several of his structures, including his personal residence and the Roger Gaudry Building, receiving National Historic Site status.
Fast facts
- Born: 1885, Montreal
- Died: 1980, Montreal
- Education: École Polytechnique, Beaux-Arts de Paris
- Known for: Art Deco architecture
- Awards: Acfas Urgel-Archambeault Award, Officer of the Order of Canada
- Notable work: Supreme Court of Canada Building
- Buried: Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery
- Designated National Historic Person: 2018
Questions readers ask
Which famous Canadian politician lived in Cormier's house?
Former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau purchased and lived in the Cormier House on Pine Avenue starting in 1979.
What is the official name of the main Université de Montréal building?
It is officially known as the Roger Gaudry Building.
Achievements
- Notable work: Saint-Ambroise Church
- Notable work: pavillon Louis-Jacques-Casault
- Officer of the Order of Canada
- Acfas Urgel-Archambeault Award
- Person of National Historic Significance
- Trained at Beaux-Arts de Paris
