Diamond Schmitt Architects and KWC Architects received the highest recognition from the Civic Trust Award,Europe?s longest-running awards program for the built environment, for the Senate of Canada Building.
Photo credit: doublespace photography
The award recognizes projects that make an outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the built environment. ?Award level schemes demonstrate excellence in architecture or design, whilst being sustainable, accessible and provide a positive civic contribution,? the program said in a statement. The Senate is one of only two projects from North America to win the award.
Photo credit: doublespace photography
The Senate of Canada Building opened in 2019 as the interim home to the upper house of Parliament while Centre Block is refurbished. Ottawa?s landmark Beaux-Arts central train station (1912) has been restored, renewed and reimagined to accommodate the Senate with a modern architectural language that both complements and contrasts the celebrated features of the original building. ?A bold re-use of an old building which recognises the gravitas of the original can be repurposed for social and environmental benefit, with a strong identity and a real architectural clarity,? remarked the judges in their comments.
Photo credit: Tom Arban Photography
Photo credit: Tom Arban Photography
?The historic fabric is refurbished and revealed and stands in comfortable juxtaposition with modern interventions. A breath-taking restoratio...