Toronto's June Callwood Park Design Competition, organized in 2008, was an exercise in the redevelopment of a public community space, relaying June Callwood's philosophy as well as dedicating the new park to her. The death in 2007 of this journalist, fervent activist, and militant of social justice left the Torontonian community grieving. The decision to honour her became the central theme of the design competition. June Callwood Park is part of a series of design competitions that target revaluing the area as well as evolving the Toronto cityscape. Can a park both embody and honour the ideas of such a personality? [...] more

The jury of the initial competition for the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (MAC) in 1983, led by Gae Aulenti and Raymond Affleck, took part in postmodern debates that appeared both dated and obsolete a decade later, in 1992, at the museum’s opening. With the “postmo” revolution dwindling, in architecture at least, and with Place des Arts becoming a true Quartier des spectacles, the MACM building, which never proved its urban integration in spite of advanced principles, had long acted as a sad and cumbrous liner. Launched in 2017 by the MAC/MCC/SQI crew, the contemporary competition had to first and foremost find a new approach. If the comparison of the two procedures reveals a regression, such as a concerning closing of the competitions, the judgment of the four selected projects leaves the Saucier + Perrotte/GLCRM architects team laureate without appeal. [...] more

Launched in 2009 - with an inauguration planned for 2016 - the competition for the National Music Centre in Calgary (NMC) marks the beginning of a new chapter for that organization, which was founded in 1987. In addition to training musicians of all styles and all levels, the National Music Centre intends to provide a space for artistic representations and to exhibit a collection of over 1,000 instruments. The chosen site for the implementation of the NMC is over two plots, which have to be connected by the building. Moreover, the smallest plot includes a heritage building that must be preserved, enhanced, and integrated into the new construction. Looking at the original program and the unusual site for the project, the competition organizers opted for an international call for submissions. Based on their portfolio, five firms were invited to reflect on this important project dedicated to music. [...] more