Most Montrealers haven't heard of pioneering architects Blanche Lemco van Ginkel and Daniel van Ginkel, without whom Old Montreal may not exist today. But with several events honoring the legacy of this visionary couple, that may soon change.
Marian Scott profiles the contributions to creating, and protecting, Motreal's built history that Blanche Lemco van Ginkel and her late husband, Daniel van Ginkel made during the second half of the 20th century. From protecting Montreal's historic district from destruction to guiding Expo 67, their legacy is imprinted throughout the city's built environment.
"Without their intervention in Le Vieux Port, I don't know what Montreal
would be today," says Phyllis Lambert, founder of the Canadian Centre
for Architecture and Heritage Montreal, and a longtime friend.
"It is
such a significant, fantastic place," Lambert says. "The quality of a
place like this goes from the 17th century to the 19th century. It
embodies the whole history of the development of Montreal and really
Quebec in many ways."
According to Scott, with the current issue of ARQ/Architecture Québec magazine entirely devoted to their work, and an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art displaying one
of Blanche's early commissions, "awareness of the van Ginkels' legacy is growing."
FULL STORY: Urban planners were saviours of our city

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie