Discovering Carl Rieder and his importance for Waterloo Region

Free for ACO members, $8.50 for non-members.  Join ACO here.

Speakers

• Allan Hayes, engineer, partner at Walter Fedy, on the life and times of his uncle Carl
• Rick Haldenby, UW School of Architecture prof, on Rieder’s architectural legacy

Carl Rieder built fully 20 per cent of the 45 iconic Mid Century Modern buildings showcased in the 1996 exhibition: Images of Progress – Modern Architecture in Waterloo Region. Starting his firm in 1946 with Toronto-based partner Ed Barnett, Rieder’s practice evolved into Rieder, Hymmen and Lobban Architects.  Eastwood and Cameron Heights Collegiate Institutes, the Centre in the Square, Dare Biscuits Factory, Kitchener Public Library and Highland Baptist Church are just a few of landmark buildings Rieder produced.  In 2006 the firm was renamed Robertson Simmons Architects.  Carl Rieder died in August 2007 at age 94.

Al Hayes, nephew of Carl Rieder and former CEO of Walter Fedy, will share stories of Carl Rieder the man.  University of Waterloo School of Architecture professor Rick Haldenby will examine Rieder’s architectural legacy, including his Italian renown. Other family members, clients and employees will be present at the event.

Refreshments will be served.

Rieder is one of several Waterloo Region Mid Century Modern architects whose combined work is “arguably the strongest architectural tradition in Waterloo Region” according to Haldenby.  ACO fears this work is in danger of destruction and demolition through neglect.  Mid Century Modern architecture is no longer new enough to be considered  modern and exciting but not old enough to be seen by most as “heritage”.  Through educational events like this, ACO hopes to grow an appreciation and enthusiasm for this important part of our local architectural legacy.