George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
This summer, students from George Brown Polytechnic's School of Architectural Studies are putting their skills into action at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), restoring a historic scale model of Toronto's Crystal Palace while gaining invaluable real-world experience in heritage conservation, documentation and architectural restoration.
In partnership with the CNE Archives, nine current students and a George Brown alum are participating in a live conservation project that lets visitors witness the restoration process firsthand. Working directly on the model throughout the exhibition, students assess conditions, document existing components, repair damaged elements, and explore digital restoration techniques, all while engaging the public in discussions about the importance of preserving architectural heritage.
What makes the project especially meaningful for George Brown is that the model itself has deep roots within the institution's history.
Preserving a legacy built by George Brown students
The Crystal Palace, once one of the most prominent buildings on the Exhibition grounds, played an important role in Toronto's architectural and cultural history. While the original structure no longer exists, its legacy lives on through a large-scale model built by George Brown students in 1978 as part of the CNE's Centennial celebrations.
Nearly 50 years later, a new generation of George Brown students is helping ensure that legacy continues.
Sheila Di Monte, a recent Architectural Technology alumna now pursuing her master's in architecture, reflected on the project's impact.
“It’s remarkable to be part of a project that preserves history while creating opportunities for students to hone their skills,” said Di Monte. “One of the greatest benefits has been learning from incredibly talented and knowledgeable people. It’s an experience that has expanded my understanding of architectural heritage in ways a classroom never could.”
The restoration project creates a unique connection across generations, with today's students preserving the work of those who came before them while contributing their own skills, knowledge and craftsmanship to an important piece of Toronto history.
Experiential learning in action
For the students involved, the Crystal Palace project is more than a volunteer opportunity. It is a hands-on learning experience that brings together many of the core skills taught in George Brown's Architectural Studies programs.
Students are applying techniques used throughout the profession, including condition assessment, technical documentation, digital modelling, laser scanning, conservation planning and model repair. They are also gaining valuable experience in communicating complex ideas to the public and collaborating on a project with real community impact.
The initiative builds on an existing partnership between George Brown and the CNE that began earlier this year, during which students completed digital documentation and 3D scanning at Exhibition Place. The Crystal Palace restoration extends that work beyond the classroom, demonstrating how academic learning can be applied to real-world professional challenges.
"The most valuable learning experiences happen when students can apply what they’ve learned in class to real projects," says Pietro Ferrari, Professor and Program Coordinator in the School of Architectural Studies.
"Through this partnership, our students are developing real technical, problem-solving and communication skills while helping preserve a significant piece of Toronto's architectural heritage. The fact that they are restoring a model originally created by George Brown students makes the experience even more meaningful."
Learning that leaves a lasting impact
The Crystal Palace restoration showcases what makes a George Brown education distinctive: learning by doing. By working on a public-facing conservation project at one of Canada's most recognized events, these students are gaining practical experience, strengthening their portfolios and developing industry-relevant skills in a real-world setting.
It is a powerful example that George Brown students don't just study architecture; they actively shape, document and preserve the built environment around them.
See George Brown’s Architectural students in action at the CNE in the Enercare Centre, Hall B, until Monday, September 7, at the Exhibition Fairgrounds.
