There are 3 firms colaboration in the proposed expansion of the Chateau Laurier. Together they have submitted 3 proposals over the last 14 months or so. None have been very well received by the citizens of Ottawa!
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts I don’t think its necessary, or to me desirable, to reproduce the past, one should honour it, but be in the present. There should however, be a dialogue, an echo, or a contrast.
We are of course talking about Ottawa’s Grand Dame of Hotels. If it’s not our favourite building in the city it surely is in the top 5. …and of course we’ve seen some fabulous additions and alas some less fabulous additions. So were concerned!
This is my 6th post about the Chateau Laurier. You can read the others here:
- Chateau Laurier – Proposed Expansion
- Chateau Laurier Expansion Blog 2
- Chateau Laurier – Revised Drawings
- Chateau Laurier – “A few lines of hip-hop added to a Shakesperean love sonnet”
- Chateau Laurier Expansion Take 3
To gain a better appreciation of the players lets explore what the 3 firms have done in the past.
MTBA & Associates – Ottawa
Mark Thompson Brandt Architect & Associates’ prime work is sustainability, heritage conservation and intervents to existing buildings and districts. They have written practical guidelines for the sustainable rehabilitation of buildings in Canada. This medium sized firm considers itself best suited to small and medium sized commissions.
Proposal for the revitalization of 24 Sussex Drive and the addition of an official wing
72 Queen Elizabeth Drive
Infill – 222 Stewart Street
Bank of Montreal
Metropolitan Bible Church development, Bank Street
Architecs Alliance – Toronto
aA is a team of 45 architects, designers, and technologists. They have experience in a broad range of size projects in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Headed by Peter Clewes it was formed in 1999 upon the merger of Wallman Clewes Bergman and Van Nostrand DiCastri Architects. As detailed in their Wikipedia page they have many projects under their belt.
Canadian Chancery Expansion
Donnelly Centre
Market Wharf
Neyayesh Hotel and Residences
PanAm/Parapan Games Athletes Village
Pier 27
Public Aquarium
Reflections at Bloomington Central Station
Urban mixed use development
PWL Partnership – Vancouver
PWL is a Vancouver based firm with 40 years of experience in Canada, the US, and internationally. This landscape architectural firm possesses 35 years of experiene in the private and public sector.
Centre for interactive Research on Sustainability
Guidford Aquatic Centre
SFU Observatory
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion Project
Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion Project
