Diamond Schmitt Architects will be presented with a Civic Trust Award in 2019 for its work on Ottawa’s National Arts Centre rejuvenation. The project was selected for demonstrating excellence in architecture, sustainability and universal design.
The project transformed the performing arts centre while respecting its foundation, which was built in a concrete Brutalist design. The renovation created new interior public gathering space while extending the original geometry on the footprint of former terraces using a natural palette of wood, glass, steel and bronze.
“We are honoured to be recognized by the Civic Trust for a design that brings performing arts to the forefront and creates visible presence and identity to engage the public at all times of the day,” said Donald Schmitt, principal at Diamond Schmitt, in a press release.
The renewal improved acoustics, sightlines and accessibility in the main Southam Hall and enhances the street presence of the Fourth Stage, an incubator for theatre and music. New interior spaces provide enhanced views of nearby attractions, such as Parliament Hill, monuments and the Rideau Canal parkland.
Diamond Schmitt last won a Civic Trust Award in 2018 for Lazaridis Hall at Wilfred Laurier University, but has also been presented with this award for its work on Bridgepoint Active Healthcare (2016) and Daniels Spectrum (2015).
The Civic Trust Awards, the longest-running build environment awards program in Europe, is now in its 60th year. This project is one of only a few award winners from North America. Winning projects were selected for demonstrating a positive social, cultural, environmental and economic benefit to the community. The Civic Trust will present awards and commendations on March 1, 2019 in Manchester, England.
