The Government of Canada recently launched the Parliamentary Precinct Block 2 International Design Competition as a part of their plan to renovate, restore, and modernize the buildings of Canada’s Parliament. IDEA Inc., along with their partner, WilkinsonEyre (London, United Kingdom) are proud to be shortlisted for the competition to redesign Block 2, the city block directly across from the Peace Tower.

“We’re tremendously proud to be shortlisted for such a nationally significant project” stated Ryan Crowle, IDEA Inc. Principal and Director of Operations. “We’re humbled to be included with such esteemed industry colleagues from around the world, and we’re excited to submit our design concept outline as a part of stage one of the competition. This will afford us the opportunity to expand on the work that we’ve previously completed in the parliamentary precinct, while showcasing national pride, innovation, and sustainability.”

Block 2 of the Parliamentary Precinct includes 11 existing buildings and nearly 110,000 square feet and will include office space for the House of Commons and the Senate, the Library of Parliament, and retail space along Sparks Street.

The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada will oversee the competition, along with a multidisciplinary jury. The design competition manager is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, and has helped to create some of the most unique parliamentary settings in the world. As a part of the next phase of the competition, each firm on the shortlist will submit a design concept which will be assessed by the jury, narrowing the shortlist from 12 firms down to six finalists. In the fall, those finalists will be asked to submit refined plans, and prizes will go to the top three firms.

For more information on the Parliamentary Precinct Block 2 International Design Competition and to follow IDEA’s progress in the competition, please visit the Government of Canada website.