National Arts Centre Rejuvenation receives Engineering Award from the OPEA

April 6, 2020

Recognized for its engineering endeavour and positive impact on society and industry, the National Arts Centre Rejuvenation project in Ottawa, ON has been selected as the winner for the 2020 Engineering Project or Achievement Award by the Ontario Professional Engineers Awards.

Originally designed as a “fortress for culture”, the once monolithic and windowless National Arts Centre now shines as an iconic beacon for performing arts for more than 1.2 million visitors every year. An embrace for both beauty and function inspired a hybrid wood-steel solution and use of pre-fabricated panels with an integrated systems approach.

The coffered ceiling, which covers a 60,000 square feet glass-clad extension, is a defining feature in the project, captured by the harmony between the depth and gaps of the coffered roof. The transformation of the arts centre also features three newly connected wings, cultural programming enclosed by a custom glass curtain wall, a grand staircase, and a hexagonal tower overlooking the Rideau Canal. The rejuvenated National Arts Centre opened on July 1st, 2017 in celebration of Canada’s 150th year anniversary and continues to carry symbolic value to this day.

The OPEA Gala will be held on November 21st, 2020 at The International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. See all 2020 OPEA winners here.

Learn more about the National Arts Centre Architectural Rejuvenation.