Apr 23, 2014
Ottawa, April 23, 2014 - The Canada Council for the Arts and RAIC | Architecture Canada today announced the recipients of the Governor General’s Medals in Architecture. The awards celebrate outstanding design in recently completed projects by Canadian architects. The winning buildings reflect excellence in sustainable design, innovation and compatibility with the landscape.
“Our built environments have a profound impact on our lives and communities,” said His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada. “That is why I am so pleased to honour the many talented Canadian architects at work today, including the recipients of this year’s Governor General’s Medals in Architecture. Working as individuals and in teams, they have made lasting architectural contributions to communities in Canada and internationally, and for that I am truly grateful.”
“The 2014 winning projects are gathering places for sharing knowledge, building community, governing cities, meeting neighbours and engaging with the arts and culture,” said Robert Sirman, Director and CEO of the Canada Council. “Architecture may well be the art form that affects us most and the Canada Council for the Arts is proud to celebrate the best of Canadian architecture with these awards.”
"This year presents yet another wonderful example of our Canadian diversity as seen through the recipients' talent and varied projects," said Wayne De Angelis, RAIC president. "Their work displays conceptual clarity, responsible design, compatibility with site, innovation and detailing," he said. "It expresses a uniqueness which we are proud to call Canadian."
- The Governor General’s Medals in Architecture, created by RAIC | Architecture Canada contribute to the development of the discipline and practice of architecture, and increase public awareness of architecture as a vital cultural force in Canadian society.
- These awards are administered jointly with the Canada Council for the Arts, which is responsible for the adjudication process and contributes to the publication highlighting the medal winners.
- Members of the 2014 peer assessment committee were: James KM Cheng, FRAIC; Maxime Frappier, MIRAC; David Miller, MRAIC; Roberta Brandes Gratz and Dorte Mandrup.
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada is a voluntary national association established in 1907 as the voice for architecture and the profession in Canada. Representing about 4,800 members, the RAIC advocates for excellence in the built environment, celebrates the richness and diversity of architecture in Canada and supports architects in achieving excellence.
The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada’s national arts funder. Its grants and payments to artists and arts organizations benefit Canadians by ensuring a vibrant arts sector in Canada. Its awards celebrate creativity by recognizing exceptional Canadians in the arts, humanities and sciences. The Canada Council Art Bank is a national collection of over 17,000 Canadian contemporary artworks – all accessible to the public through rental, loan and outreach programs. The Canadian Commission for UNESCO operates within the Canada Council.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
Canada Council for the Arts
Heather McAfee: 1-800-263-5588 or 613-566-4414, ext. 4166
Mireille Allaire: 1-800-263-5588 or 613-566-4414, ext. 4523
RAIC | Architecture Canada
Maria Cook: 613-241-3600 ext. 213
Media wishing to attend the presentation ceremony at Rideau Hall:
Rideau Hall Press Office
Julie Rocheleau: 613-998-7280
