Prix du XXe Siècle Winners Announced
Prix du XXe siècle honours enduring excellence in Canadian architecture
Ottawa, ON, April 1, 2014 – Heritage Canada The National Trust (HCNT), in partnership with Architecture Canada / RAIC, is honouring Toronto City Hall and Civic Square and the Strutt House with the Prix du XXe siècle for their enduring excellence as nationally significant works of architecture.
Designed by architects Viljo Revell and John B. Parkin Associates (now NORR Limited Architects Engineers Planners), Toronto City Hall and Civic Square is the result of an international competition, which introduced the influence of the Finnish architect Revell to Canada at a key moment in the city’s development. It remains one of the most enduring Canadian examples of a 20th-century municipal public space and building that continues to successfully serve its original purpose.
According to the jury, “Its lyrical forms, dignified materials and refined details serve as a constant reminder to citizens of the value of greater civic vision.”
Strutt House is a rare and extraordinary example of Canadian modern architecture that remains a defining work of a significant post-war architect. James W. Strutt designed his unique geometric home in 1956, positioning it on the most southerly slope of the Gatineau Hills overlooking Ottawa. He built the first wooden hyperbolic paraboloid roof in Canada, which enabled large expanses of glass and undulating ceilings, simplified lines and a refined aesthetic quality.
“Strutt House led the way in demonstrating how to build a low-impact, low-cost structure which could be sensitively and lightly integrated into the natural environment,” stated the jury.
With this award, HCNT and RAIC have joined forces to promote and raise awareness of nationally significant 20th-century architecture in Canada.
The jury, selected jointly by HCNT and RAIC from distinguished scholars and members of the profession, was comprised of Susan Ross, Michael McMordie and Graeme Duffus.
The Prix du XXe siècle will be presented jointly by the chair of HCNT and the president of RAIC at the President’s Dinner and Awards Gala, May 30 at the Fairmont Winnipeg Hotel. The event is part of the 2014 MAA / RAIC Festival of Architecture, which takes place in Winnipeg from May 28 to 31.
For further information contact:
Carolyn Quinn, Director, Communications
cquinn@heritagecanada.org
613-237-1066 ext. 229; cell 613-797-7206
www.heritagecanada.org
