Peter Coffman
@petercoffman.bsky.social
Architectural Historian; Supervisor of History & Theory of Architecture program @carleton.ca. https://carleton.ca/aah/people/peter-coffman/ Photographer. Pilgrim. Occasionally a writer. Chief of Staff to two cats. Photos mine unless otherwise credited.
Pinned
I’m getting ready to co-teach our new course on Canadian architecture.
So, What *is* Canadian architecture?
Well, it’s a long story. Or rather, *many* long stories.
So, What *is* Canadian architecture?
Well, it’s a long story. Or rather, *many* long stories.
A few weeks ago, I created a redacted version of a final exam to help students prepare for it. My first idea was to highlight text I needed to conceal in black, then export to PDF. But it occurred to me that highlighting covered text, but didn’t eliminate it. 1/3
www.cbc.ca/news/world/e...
www.cbc.ca/news/world/e...
How internet sleuths are un-redacting some of the Epstein files | CBC News
While Democratic legislators, victims of Jeffrey Epstein and their lawyers have complained about the number of blacked-out pages and passages in the files released by the U.S. Department of Justice, ...
www.cbc.ca
December 27, 2025 at 3:46 PM
A few weeks ago, I created a redacted version of a final exam to help students prepare for it. My first idea was to highlight text I needed to conceal in black, then export to PDF. But it occurred to me that highlighting covered text, but didn’t eliminate it. 1/3
www.cbc.ca/news/world/e...
www.cbc.ca/news/world/e...
Reposted by Peter Coffman
On December 25, 2025, after the Christmas Mass, the bells of Strasbourg Cathedral rang out beneath a perfectly blue sky.
One quiet minute to capture the joyful spirit of Christmas in the city. 🔔
One quiet minute to capture the joyful spirit of Christmas in the city. 🔔
December 25, 2025 at 3:36 PM
On December 25, 2025, after the Christmas Mass, the bells of Strasbourg Cathedral rang out beneath a perfectly blue sky.
One quiet minute to capture the joyful spirit of Christmas in the city. 🔔
One quiet minute to capture the joyful spirit of Christmas in the city. 🔔
I received the most touching Christmas message from my employer this morning. I feel so valued.
December 25, 2025 at 9:34 PM
I received the most touching Christmas message from my employer this morning. I feel so valued.
Reposted by Peter Coffman
It is EXHAUSTING not only being made responsible for coming up with new kinds of assignments for our students; it's also tedious reading op-eds that suggest the core problem is a crisis in teaching. But, as Chris and I lay out here, this isn't a crisis in teaching; it's an attack on learning.
"We envision a resistance that is...a repudiation of the efficiencies that automated algorithmic education falsely promises: a resistance comprising the collective force of small acts of friction."
"How to Resist AI in Education" by me & @cnygren.bsky.social
www.publicbooks.org/four-frictio...
"How to Resist AI in Education" by me & @cnygren.bsky.social
www.publicbooks.org/four-frictio...
Four Frictions: or, How to Resist AI in Education - Public Books
We are calling for resistance to the AI industry’s ongoing capture of higher education.
www.publicbooks.org
December 24, 2025 at 7:39 PM
It is EXHAUSTING not only being made responsible for coming up with new kinds of assignments for our students; it's also tedious reading op-eds that suggest the core problem is a crisis in teaching. But, as Chris and I lay out here, this isn't a crisis in teaching; it's an attack on learning.
Reposted by Peter Coffman
I don't have a specific story at the top of my head, but the experience of picking up a loose piece of paper and realizing when you get to the end of the page that you now know something about the past that literally no other living person knows?
Unbeatable.
Unbeatable.
I think we need a mega thread of everyone's craziest archive stories.
December 23, 2025 at 1:52 AM
I don't have a specific story at the top of my head, but the experience of picking up a loose piece of paper and realizing when you get to the end of the page that you now know something about the past that literally no other living person knows?
Unbeatable.
Unbeatable.
@thatericalper.com on the new(ish) book of photographs by the wonderful David Woodhead, frequented collaborator with my late, great friend Oliver Schroer.
David Woodhead explores the golden era of Canadian folk in his new book 'Evidence of Ecstasy: David Woodhead's musical journey in photographs' featuring Stan Rogers. Grab this photographic journey today. zurl.co/x4ucq
David Woodhead Captures the Magic of Musicians in 'Evidence of Ecstasy' - That Eric Alper
Photographer and musician David Woodhead offers a stunning visual narrative of the Canadian independent music scene with his new book ‘Evidence of Ecstasy: David Woodhead’s musical journey in photographs’. This collection serves as a rare window into the 1970s and 80s folk world by featuring intimate black and white images from recording studios and legendary […]
zurl.co
December 22, 2025 at 9:49 PM
@thatericalper.com on the new(ish) book of photographs by the wonderful David Woodhead, frequented collaborator with my late, great friend Oliver Schroer.
Hintonburg just got even better. Solomon’s Oven opened last night. I’ve only tried a couple of their dips and their baklava, but so far so great!
solomonsoven.ca
solomonsoven.ca
Solomon's Oven | Discover Fresh Bakes - Visit Now
Visit Solomon's Oven, the only place in Ottawa with authentic Middle Eastern baked Saj, quick bites, and family meals. Experience their fresh meals today!
solomonsoven.ca
December 21, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Hintonburg just got even better. Solomon’s Oven opened last night. I’ve only tried a couple of their dips and their baklava, but so far so great!
solomonsoven.ca
solomonsoven.ca
Reposted by Peter Coffman
The complete Bayeux Tapestry has finally been released and proves that Bishop Odo had absolutely nothing to do with the illegal Norman invasion of England.
December 20, 2025 at 12:38 PM
The complete Bayeux Tapestry has finally been released and proves that Bishop Odo had absolutely nothing to do with the illegal Norman invasion of England.
I recall being in a university classroom when the prof broke the news to us: the evidence around 2nd-hand smoke had become too compelling to ignore, so he would no longer allow smoking in the classroom. Seems like another century. Come to think of it, it was….
I lived thru the end of public smoking. Early in my career I presented to city councils who were smoking, in front of audiences who were smoking.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
It’s crazy that people used to be able to just smoke cigarettes wherever they wanted
December 20, 2025 at 5:48 PM
I recall being in a university classroom when the prof broke the news to us: the evidence around 2nd-hand smoke had become too compelling to ignore, so he would no longer allow smoking in the classroom. Seems like another century. Come to think of it, it was….
Happy 182nd birthday to one of greatest stories ever written. A Christmas Carol was released on December 19, 1843, and sold out by Christmas Eve.
December 19, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Happy 182nd birthday to one of greatest stories ever written. A Christmas Carol was released on December 19, 1843, and sold out by Christmas Eve.
My breakfast had its very own Shroud of Turin.
December 16, 2025 at 3:53 PM
My breakfast had its very own Shroud of Turin.
Reposted by Peter Coffman
this is one of the most psychotic things Trump has ever posted
December 15, 2025 at 2:52 PM
this is one of the most psychotic things Trump has ever posted
Reposted by Peter Coffman
This is one of those times when all of the bad news just sucks the air out of your lungs.
December 15, 2025 at 3:31 AM
This is one of those times when all of the bad news just sucks the air out of your lungs.
Reposted by Peter Coffman
Registration is now open for my upcoming Heritage Ottawa lecture on #OttawaBrutalism. (link below)
Thu Dec 18 2025 @ 7:00pm
Beechwood National Memorial Centre, Sacred Space Room, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa
Thu Dec 18 2025 @ 7:00pm
Beechwood National Memorial Centre, Sacred Space Room, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa
December 5, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Registration is now open for my upcoming Heritage Ottawa lecture on #OttawaBrutalism. (link below)
Thu Dec 18 2025 @ 7:00pm
Beechwood National Memorial Centre, Sacred Space Room, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa
Thu Dec 18 2025 @ 7:00pm
Beechwood National Memorial Centre, Sacred Space Room, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa
Reposted by Peter Coffman
Congratulations Chief 7IDANsuu James Hart & Audain Art Museum! vancouversun.com/entertainmen...
Book paints fascinating and gorgeous picture of Haida master carver 7IDANsuu James Hart
7IDANsuu James Hart: A Monumental Practice is an essential work about the renowned career of a Northwest Coast art giant
vancouversun.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Congratulations Chief 7IDANsuu James Hart & Audain Art Museum! vancouversun.com/entertainmen...
Reposted by Peter Coffman
On Dec. 8, 1941, the RCMP impounded 1,200 fishing boats owned by Japanese-Canadians.
Within a few months, Japanese-Canadians were sent to internment camps. More than 21,000 people were uprooted.
This is the story of Canada's Japanese Internment.
📸 LAC C-057250
🧵 1/12
Within a few months, Japanese-Canadians were sent to internment camps. More than 21,000 people were uprooted.
This is the story of Canada's Japanese Internment.
📸 LAC C-057250
🧵 1/12
December 8, 2025 at 2:01 PM
On Dec. 8, 1941, the RCMP impounded 1,200 fishing boats owned by Japanese-Canadians.
Within a few months, Japanese-Canadians were sent to internment camps. More than 21,000 people were uprooted.
This is the story of Canada's Japanese Internment.
📸 LAC C-057250
🧵 1/12
Within a few months, Japanese-Canadians were sent to internment camps. More than 21,000 people were uprooted.
This is the story of Canada's Japanese Internment.
📸 LAC C-057250
🧵 1/12
Reposted by Peter Coffman
Lord, bring forth the meteorites
December 7, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Lord, bring forth the meteorites
Introducing the latest candidate for demolition by neglect in the national capital region:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
No plans for water-damaged Gatineau heritage building, 2 years after brewery's closure | CBC News
More than two years after the brewery it housed turned off its taps, a historic former water treatment facility in Gatineau, Que., has deteriorated to the point where it will require a significant inv...
www.cbc.ca
December 7, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Introducing the latest candidate for demolition by neglect in the national capital region:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Catching The Once at Manotick United Church, part of the Festival of Small Halls.
December 7, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Catching The Once at Manotick United Church, part of the Festival of Small Halls.
Geneviève Bergeron
Hélène Colgan
Nathalie Croteau
Barbara Daigneault
Anne-Marie Edward
Maud Haviernick
Maryse Laganière
Maryse Leclair
Anne-Marie Lemay
Sonia Pelletier
Michèle Richard
Annie St-Arneault
Annie Turcotte
Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz
Hélène Colgan
Nathalie Croteau
Barbara Daigneault
Anne-Marie Edward
Maud Haviernick
Maryse Laganière
Maryse Leclair
Anne-Marie Lemay
Sonia Pelletier
Michèle Richard
Annie St-Arneault
Annie Turcotte
Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz
December 6, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Geneviève Bergeron
Hélène Colgan
Nathalie Croteau
Barbara Daigneault
Anne-Marie Edward
Maud Haviernick
Maryse Laganière
Maryse Leclair
Anne-Marie Lemay
Sonia Pelletier
Michèle Richard
Annie St-Arneault
Annie Turcotte
Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz
Hélène Colgan
Nathalie Croteau
Barbara Daigneault
Anne-Marie Edward
Maud Haviernick
Maryse Laganière
Maryse Leclair
Anne-Marie Lemay
Sonia Pelletier
Michèle Richard
Annie St-Arneault
Annie Turcotte
Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz
Reposted by Peter Coffman
The Globe and Mail has a very succinct but comprehensive editorial outlining the foolery of Lansdowne 2.0. Well worth the read.
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/416c9c5...
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/416c9c5...
The City of Ottawa’s Hail Mary plan for redevelopment
The Lansdowne 2.0 plan depends on rosy assumptions, leaving taxpayers potentially on the hook if ambitions fall short
www.theglobeandmail.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:57 PM
The Globe and Mail has a very succinct but comprehensive editorial outlining the foolery of Lansdowne 2.0. Well worth the read.
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/416c9c5...
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/416c9c5...
Reposted by Peter Coffman
Take my money! @architectsdca.bsky.social and I are happy to see it go towards our annual support for the @ottawafoodbank.bsky.social !
December 5, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Take my money! @architectsdca.bsky.social and I are happy to see it go towards our annual support for the @ottawafoodbank.bsky.social !
I just got to spend a pile of @toondreessen.bsky.social's money! Toon and others are matching donations right now to the @ottawafoodbank.bsky.social via CBC Radio’s ‘Make the Season Kind’ fundraiser.
Please join us!
www.cbc.ca/kind/ottawa
Please join us!
www.cbc.ca/kind/ottawa
Ottawa - Make the Season Kind - CBC.ca
www.cbc.ca
December 5, 2025 at 12:56 PM
I just got to spend a pile of @toondreessen.bsky.social's money! Toon and others are matching donations right now to the @ottawafoodbank.bsky.social via CBC Radio’s ‘Make the Season Kind’ fundraiser.
Please join us!
www.cbc.ca/kind/ottawa
Please join us!
www.cbc.ca/kind/ottawa
Built Heritage Committee Chair @rawlson.bsky.social welcomes students from our 2nd-year core course to City Hall this morning as they prepare to present their research findings to staff. As always, the councillor and the staff were an inspiration!
@carletonfass.bsky.social
@carletonfass.bsky.social
December 3, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Built Heritage Committee Chair @rawlson.bsky.social welcomes students from our 2nd-year core course to City Hall this morning as they prepare to present their research findings to staff. As always, the councillor and the staff were an inspiration!
@carletonfass.bsky.social
@carletonfass.bsky.social