Grade 4 Social Studies (Diversity and Development)

The history and images of architecture in Alberta illustrates the development and diversity of the province.

Alberta’s growth is demonstrated by the buildings constructed throughout the 20th century. The buildings reflected what was available for those who first inhabited the plains before Alberta came into being. Early First Nations Peoples constructed tipis.

As materials like lumber, glass, bricks, sandstone, concrete, iron, and steel became more readily available, the type of buildings that started appearing in Alberta changed. Developments in transportation allowed many people to attain these materials in urban as well as rural centres.

The many diverse groups that arrived in Alberta brought with them their culture, art, and architecture. The diversity of Alberta’s people is reflected in the buildings they have built.