Tuesday, February 28, 7-8:30 pm
University Women’s Club at Hycroft Manor
By donation
Robert Lemon has spent over four decades in Vancouver while studying or working as an architect and heritage preservationist. In this talk, he will share excerpts from his memoir “An Architect’s Address Book: The places that shaped a career,” which include some of the notable buildings and projects that shaped him personally and professionally, including The Barber House, Twelfth and Cambie, Estergreen and 125 East 4th Avenue. Join VHF for a special evening chronicling his life, the people he met and was influenced by (and perhaps a few secrets from working inside City Hall).
Lemon has a special relationship with the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, having been involved in its establishment in 1992 and then being on the board – and chair – for many years. The VHF has been helpful in getting the book published and Lemon wishes to thank Yosef Wosk and John Fiegl, two loyal supporters of the VHF, who helped sponsor his book.
He will also be doing a book signing and talk on the theme of design at Inform Interiors on Tuesday, February 21st
Address Book is available through ORO Editions.
About the Speaker
Robert G. Lemon is an award-winning architect and writer, whose study, work, and passion for buildings and cities has taken him around the world. Born in southern Ontario, he began his architectural studies at Carleton University in Ottawa, but soon left Canada for stints in Paris and London, then returned to the High Arctic as photographer for an archaeological project. Upon graduation, he received the Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal in Architecture, as well as the Heritage Canada Student Design Award.
In 1979, Lemon moved to Vancouver, where he has lived and practiced for over four decades. He has a master’s degree in architectural conservation which he started at ICCROM in Rome and completed at the University of York in the UK. Now retired – he has returned to his Ontario roots in Stratford.
Lemon’s professional career has focused on heritage planning, building rehabilitation and custom residential commissions. From 1991 to 1996 he was the Senior Heritage Planner for the City of Vancouver, where he was involved in landmark building rehabilitation projects, the introduction of the current heritage legislation, revamping the Transfer of Density Policy and adding Recent Landmarks to the Vancouver Heritage Register.
His landmark heritage building rehabilitation projects in Vancouver include The Architecture Centre, the downtown YMCA, Coastal Church, Hotel Georgia, and two historic buildings at Jameson House and Shannon Estate, all of which have received City of Vancouver Heritage Awards. He also designed or rehabilitated many award-winning custom residences in British Columbia.
Now retired to Stratford Ontario, Lemon hopes that the stories of his career will motivate others to take up the cause of historic preservation, if not for the architectural and heritage value, but for the good of the environment. As someone once said, the greenest building is the one that is already built.
Group in front of the 1968 addition to the University Centre and reflecting pool designed by local architect, Arthur Erickson, during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour at UBC. Credit: S. Carlson
Participant takes a picture of 'Concerto', a public art piece outside of Buchanan building at UBC during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour. Credit: S. Carlson
Buchanan Buildings, MCM Photo Workshop and Tour at UBC, 2022. Credit: S Carlson
Group in front of International House during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour at UBC. Credit: S. Carlson
2014 Beer Tasting Talk at Main Street Brewing
Sundays at the Marine Building
2014 Hinge Park Tour
Group in front of the 1968 addition to the University Centre and reflecting pool designed by local architect, Arthur Erickson, during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour at UBC. Credit: S. Carlson
Participant takes a picture of 'Concerto', a public art piece outside of Buchanan building at UBC during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour. Credit: S. Carlson
Buchanan Buildings, MCM Photo Workshop and Tour at UBC, 2022. Credit: S Carlson
Group in front of International House during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour at UBC. Credit: S. Carlson
2014 Beer Tasting Talk at Main Street Brewing
Sundays at the Marine Building
2014 Hinge Park Tour