Prix du XXe siècle honours enduring excellence in Canadian architecture

Ottawa, ON, April 16, 2013 – The Heritage Canada Foundation (HCF), in partnership with Architecture Canada | RAIC, is honouring Massey College and Grande Prairie Regional College with the Prix du XXe siècle for their enduring excellence  as nationally significant works of architecture. 

 

Grande Prairie Regional College is an early representative work of Douglas Cardinal, a young, maverick architect at the time. Completed in 1974, Cardinal blended the educational institution into the landscape achieving a striking aesthetic, both outside and in. Today, this instantly recognizable structure is a place where people come together to learn, create, and celebrate culture.

 

According to the Jury, “Cardinal’s highly individual approach shaped a building that has become a regional landmark. It is valued highly by the College as a working environment and an embodiment of a distinctive understanding of place and people.”

 

Currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, University of Toronto’s Massey College (1963), designed by renowned Canadian architect Ron Thom, responds to its architectural context while breaking with trends of the day by folding together several historical forms. It set a stunning precedent in design trends in Canada and internationally.

 

“Massey College is a skillful and humane interpretation of Arts and Crafts sensibilities in a modernist idiom,” the jury stated. “It has aged well and is one of the University of Toronto's most treasured modern buildings.”

 

“This prize recognizes these two educational institutions as modern landmarks,” said Natalie Bull, executive director of the Heritage Canada Foundation. “The Prix du XXe siècle helps bring national attention to the heritage of the modern movement while at the same time broadening the public’s perception of heritage.”

 

With this award, HCF and RAIC have joined forces to promote and raise awareness about nationally significant 20th-century architecture in Canada. Buildings in Canada designed by architects from any country, or buildings anywhere designed by Canadian architects are eligible for the award.

 

The Jury, chosen jointly by HCF and RAIC from distinguished scholars and members of the profession, was comprised of: Julian Smith, Michael McMordie and Susan Ross. 

 

Details and downloadable images of this year’s award-winning buildings are available at: Prix du XXe siècle.

 

The Prix du XXe siècle will be presented jointly by the chair of HCF and the president of RAIC at the Presidents' Dinner and Awards Gala, June 7 at the Halifax Marriott Habourfront as part of the 2013 Architecture Canada | RAIC Festival of Architecture. 

 

The Heritage Canada Foundation is a national registered charity dedicated to the preservation of Canada’s historic places.

 

Architecture Canada | RAIC is a voluntary national association established in 1907 as the voice for architecture and its practice in Canada. Representing more than 4,600 members, the RAIC is the leading voice of architecture in Canada whose mission is:

 

• To affirm that architecture matters;

• To celebrate the richness and diversity of architecture in Canada; and

• To support architects in achieving excellence.

 

For more information:

Carolyn Quinn

Director, Communications

cquinn@heritagecanada.org

1-866-964-1066 ext. 229; Cell: 613-797-7206