The world of landscape architecture and design is mourning the loss of a true visionary. Claude Cormier, renowned for his transformative contributions to urban spaces, passed away on September 15, 2023, at the age of 63 due to complications from Li-Fraumeni syndrome. His departure leaves an indelible void in the industry he passionately shaped over the years.
Claude Cormier, born on June 22, 1960, was a proud son of Quebec, known for his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. With a multi-faceted educational background that included studies in History & Theory of Design at Harvard University, Landscape Architecture at the University of Toronto, and Agronomy at the University of Guelph, Cormier was a true scholar of his field.
In 1995, he founded the firm CCxA, formerly known as Claude Cormier et Associés, in Montreal. Throughout his illustrious career, Cormier and his firm left an indelible mark on urban landscapes across Montreal, Toronto, and the United States. Their innovative designs redefined public spaces, blending art and nature to create captivating environments.
Cormier’s work garnered immense recognition, with the firm receiving more than 100 awards for their groundbreaking designs. In 2010, Harvard University Graduate School of Design paid tribute to his contributions with an exclusive retrospective exhibition titled “Erratics.”
His accolades extended beyond exhibitions; in 2009, Claude Cormier was knighted to the Ordre National du Québec, the highest distinction bestowed upon individuals who significantly contribute to Quebec’s development and leadership. He was also honored as an Emerging Voice for North America by the Architectural League of New York and recognized as one of the 14 international designers advancing the design field by Fast Company Magazine.
Furthermore, Phaidon Press invited Cormier’s firm to be featured in a publication celebrating the top 30 landscape architects worldwide, highlighting their global impact on the field.
In Fall 2021, the landscape architecture world celebrated the release of “Serious Fun, The Landscapes of Claude Cormier,” the first book exclusively dedicated to his practice, published by Oro editions. This publication offered insight into Cormier’s creative genius and his tireless pursuit of reimagining urban landscapes.