Block 2 Architectural Competition
The Block 2 design competition was an international architectural competition for the city block immediately south of Parliament Hill. The winning design will directly face Centre Block and the Peace Tower and complete the fourth side of Parliament Square.
The independent jury, chaired by Bruce Haden and Anne McIlroy, was a diverse group of national and international design professionals, academics, Parliamentarians and members of Canadian civil society. The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) endorsed the competition and designated professional advisors, including JRS, to oversee the process.
More about the Block 2 architectural design competition.
May 16, 2022 – Public Announcement of the Winning Design
READ – JRS speech for the announcement of the three prize winners
Press coverage:
“Key idea of Ottawa’s Block 2 winning design is diversity,” The Globe and Mail
“Block 2 design winner completes ‘Parliament Square’ with a nod to heritage,” Ottawa Citizen
“Block 2 Winner Announced,” Canadian Architect
April 11, 2022 – Public Presentation of the Final Six Designs
READ – JRS speech for the public presentation of the six finalists
Press coverage:
“The bold, varied visions for Ottawa’s Block 2,” The Globe and Mail
“Six plans to remake the core of Wellington Street across from Parliament Hill,” Ottawa Citizen
“Expert jury set to pick new design to revamp parliamentary precinct,” CTV News
“Block 2 finalist designs unveiled,” Canadian Architect
Competition Announcement
READ – JRS speech to the jury and the competitors
READ – JRS interviewed in “A Philosophical Approach to Block 2,” Canadian Architect
Press coverage:
“Will the architecture of Parliament Hill be bland or bold?” The Globe and Mail
“Architect teams invited for redesign proposals for block facing Parliament,” Ottawa Citizen
“Twelve teams long-listed for the Parliamentary Precinct Block 2 International Design Competition,” Canadian Architect