Architecture’s role in heritage and tourism are very closely related activities. It can be said to depend on each other. Their mutual relationship is obvious since ancient times where the architecture, as a tourist attraction, had a very important role.

Temples have been built in honor of the gods, grand theaters, stadiums, the Colosseum and other monumental public buildings attracted large crowds as characteristics collected certain culture and society in which they arose. Architecture was and is an expression of lifestyle and spirit of the times certain epochs and cultures in which it arises.

Many cities throughout the world including Quebec City, like Aylmer, are an ideal example of how the spirit of an era, an era still lives through the architecture of buildings built in this period, based its entire tourist offer and its development just on the monuments culture in the field of architecture, but also on the cultural characteristics of the society belonging to an age when architecture was created. It can be said that the architecture in this case is a source of information about the history and the element that identifies the city, nation, country.

Thus the architecture of Old Aylmer.

One does not become a UNESCO Quebec City by demolishing. It becomes an historical icon attracting, seducing and satisfying architectural tourists by preserving the heritage elements in concert with socio-urban development. Since the early times of travelling architecture does constitute an important force of attraction and a vital element in marketing. Until today destinations try to increase their market positions by means of the development and restoration of the built environment.

However, architecture is characterised by an enduring presence with impacts on visitors and residents alike. Hence, on a sustainable basis it needs to chime with place and situation. Where modesty might be suitable for one destination, spectacular architecture could be a transformation catalyst or unique selling proposition for another. Destination developers have to be aware of the local requirements as well as the reciprocal relationship between the modern practice of tourism and the built environment.

Iconic architecture assists in the identification of a place, city or precinct. Structural, functional and aesthetic aspects of architecture, particularly those that represent unique features, attract tourists. The aim of this blog is to explore the value of iconic buildings to architectural tourism.

Travel is a powerful force in shaping the perception of the modern world and plays an ever-growing role within architectural and urban cultures. Inextricably linked to political and ideological issues, travel redefines places and landscapes through new transport infrastructures and buildings. Architecture, in turn, is reconstructed through visual and textual narratives produced by scores of modern travellers — including writers, historians, teachers and artists along with architects themselves. In the age of the camera, travel is bound up with new kinds of imaginaries; private records and recollections often mingle with official, stereotyped views, as the value of architectural heritage increasingly rests on the mechanical reproduction of its images.

Architecturally yours,

Micheline Lemieux, President of the APA-AHA

Luc L. Paquette, Member of the Board of Governors and the Architectural Committee