150 years of OCAD U
The OCAD University community is saddened to learn of the passing of Canadian Norwegian architect and educator Elin Corneil (née Kirksaeter), a former faculty member who passed away on Sept. 5.
Born in 1935 in Trondheim, Norway, she met her future spouse, architect Carmen Corneil, while studying architecture in Helsinki. They married and immigrated to Canada in 1960, when Carmen was invited to participate in an architectural competition to design Massey College in Toronto.
The couple opened their Toronto-based practice in 1964 and went on to receive several awards for their work over the years. Their prominent projects included bandshells for Expo 67, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union headquarters building (winner of a Governor General’s Medal) and Harbourfront Passage, the pedestrian design strategy that would lead to the conceptualization of Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre.
One of their most notable Canadian works was the School of Architecture building at Carleton University, designed in collaboration with Jeffery Stinson. This building, admired by generations of architecture students, showcases the couple's design philosophy by bringing the interplay of complex urban streets into an interior space.
In 1977, the Corneils won a design competition to help rebuild the Icelandic town of Vestmannaeyjar following a devastating volcanic eruption. This project launched an Norway-based practice, led by Elin.
Elin taught in the Faculty of Design at the Ontario College of Art and Design (now OCAD U). She taught Foundation Studies and Environmental Design III between 1975 to 1979. At OCAD, Elin drew inspiration from her roots and incorporated Scandinavian Functionalism into her teaching. She was known for her strong connection to the Norwegian tradition of timber architecture.
After 26 years in Canada, the Corneils closed their Toronto practice and returned to Norway to teach. At the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Elin established a Norwegian industrial heritage curriculum with her colleague Bente Moe.
OCAD U extends its sincere condolences to the Corneil family, their friends and neighbours.
Sources: Canadian Architect, Carleton University, The Canadian Encyclopedia and The Library and Archives at OCAD U.
With thanks to OCAD U’s People & Culture Team, Natalie Pavlenko and Holly Forsythe.
