Following an international design competition, the Canadian Ministry of Public Services and Procurement today announced the selection of Zeidler Architecture Inc. in association with David Chipperfield Architects as the competition Laureate for Block 2 of Canada’s Parliamentary Precinct.
Block 2 is a prominent urban block located immediately south of Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa, opposite Canada’s main Parliament building. The site encompasses eleven buildings of varying size and condition with several layers of heritage designation.
The competition called for proposals to redevelop the block to provide office space for the Senate and the House of Commons and allow for the future consolidation of parliamentary accommodations, including space for the Library of Parliament.
As a site of national importance, the project carries a responsibility not only to provide the facilities for democratic government and urban infrastructure, but also to represent the values of a nation and a vision for its sustainable and inclusive future.
Inspired by indigenous values of respect and of good stewardship, David Chipperfield Architects and Zeidler’s scheme embraces the challenges of sustainability and of a circular economy, retaining most of the existing structures and combining them with new low-carbon, efficient buildings to create a diverse, characterful, yet coherent whole.
“Through this project we have sought to develop an urban and architectural response that is both respectful and radical, embracing the past and looking to the future, motivated by concerns for the environment and the ideals of community,” said David Chipperfield, Principal, David Chipperfield Architects. “We are grateful to the jury for recognising the values of our scheme. It has been a rigorous, stimulating and enjoyable competition and we look forward to working with the Government of Canada on the next stage of the process.”
The proposal was developed in collaboration with Atelier Ten, Bureau Bas Smets, Two Row Architect, EVOQ Architecture, Brian Boylan, Read Jones Christoffersen, Smith and Andersen Consulting Engineering, S+A Footprint and Senez Co.
“As Canadians and as architects, we recognize the privilege of being able to craft a design on a site with national significance. This is a rare opportunity, and our entire team understand the responsibility of representing the Canadian government and the Canadian people,” said Vaidila Banelis, Senior Partner, Zeidler Architecture. “Our vision is purpose-led and people-led, uniquely Canadian and contemporary in style for a nation that is confident in itself and its future – a future that demonstrates the best that Canada can be: inclusive, accepting of difference, resilient and in harmony with nature.”
Read Elsa Lam’s editorial on the Block 2 winning design here.