Quiet Icons

Mary McNeill-Knowles

In smaller cities like Victoria, it's easy to feel we're missing the iconic architecture of larger centres. But sometimes, it's just hidden in plain sight.

Take the Saanich Municipal Hall. I've passed it countless times—always struck by its form. With a closer look, you can see the intention behind it: a civic building designed with clarity, permanence, and a strong visual identity. Its bold geometry and structured landscaping reinforce both its purpose and the spirit of its time.

What's fascinating is how these qualities can feel obscured—not just by added infrastructure like bike stalls or flower baskets, but by the climate itself. Concrete weathers differently here. Moss softens sharp lines. Rain leaves a patina.

There's a story here about how we see design in smaller cities. The boldness is there — it's just quieter, worn in, and softened by time.