Most of Centre Block's stone carvings need restoration. But the project also includes the creation of new carvings to fill unused blocks.
Confederation Hall -- often referred to as the Rotunda -- is the main entrance to Centre Block.
Designed in the Gothic Revival style by architect John Pearson, it mirrors the intricate interior of a medieval English chapter house.
Intricate carvings of Canadian symbols cover almost every space. From flora and fauna to provincial and territorial coats of arms.
Mizgala: So in in Confederation Hall, at the base of the central column is a carving of Poseidon. And then there is what's called a rose compass and actually a using the marble on the floor. There's a view of the sea, the land, and then ultimately the cosmos. And Pearson borrowed the metaphor of the ship of state as a kind of key metaphor for parliament.10;41;33;23 - 10;42;02;25 So the idea was that no matter how rocky times could be, there is always somebody steering the ship and central to the helm. And when you're in the Prime Minister's office, there are nautical decorative elements throughout because of course the Prime Minister is steering the ship. And throughout the building there are little touches related to either fish or sea creatures or things that remind you of this metaphor.
The House of Commons foyer has sculptures that tell the story of Canada's history and economic, political, and social development.
John-Phillipe Smith, Canada's sixth Dominion Sculptor, is overseeing the maintenance of all sculptural works.
There are 180 uncarved stone blocks left in Centre Block.
One new carving for the Senate Foyer will honour Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign.
Parliamentarians decide on carvings?
Another key aspect of the work: Centre Block's heritage masonry.
There are some 365,000 stones in need of repair or replacement -- the equivalent of 22,000 square metres -- after a century of exposure to water and wind.
(A large retaining wall of stone on the front lawn has been disassembled and sent away for storage.)
When new stone is needed, look for the same material. Or, something from the same geological deposit. For the exterior masonry: sourcing new stone from quarries in Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ohio.
Printed decorative tarps, known as trompe l'oeil (a "trick of the eye"), have been installed on the scaffolding as masonry work continues. They give tourists a representation of what Centre Block normally looks like -- and allow work to continue through the year.
