Parliamentary Precinct Block 2 Redevelopment announced as AZ Awards 2023 finalist
April 17, 2023
Zeidler Architecture, in partnership with David Chipperfield Architects’ London studio, is thrilled to share that our design for the Parliamentary Precinct Block 2 Redevelopment has been chosen as an AZ Awards 2023 finalist in the category Urban Design – Unbuilt Developments.
The AZ Awards competition is a prestigious event that celebrates the best in contemporary design and recognizes the most innovative and inspiring projects from around the world. The selection is a testament to the exceptional work and dedication of the entire team involved in the project, and we are deeply honoured to be recognized for our contribution to the global design and architecture community.
Block 2 is a remarkable site of national importance within Ottawa’s Parliamentary Precinct. Our vision weaves together past, present, and future creating a tapestry of forms and styles. The competition winning design celebrates a diverse nation and suggests a sustainable and inclusive future for Canadian democracy.
The vision for Block 2 is based on a principle of responsible stewardship. Sustainability, Indigenous values, and heritage conservation share much common ground. Stewardship of the land and resources is a concept embedded in Indigenous culture. It is also a tenet of good governance and the basis for a design approach of minimal intervention and maximum retention. Old structures are woven together with new net-zero structures to create a diverse, characterful, yet coherent whole.
Through this winning international design competition scheme, we draw on the strengths of the old and the new. We acknowledge Canada’s charged history, as expressed in its heritage buildings. From this, we forge a new architectural language that seeks not to erase the past, but to reconcile it with new technology and inspiring Indigenous practice; moving forward sustainably and with fresh purpose, to demonstrate the best that Canada can be.
The rhythm and cadence of the whole ensemble riffs on the Canadian identity. The architecture 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 more on our approach to the design of the Block 2 redevelopment here.
This year’s winners will be revealed at the AZ Awards Gala on Friday, June 23, 2023. More information about the competition finalists can be found here.
