Medals in Architecture and Landscape Architecture

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, presented the 2016 Governor General’s Medals in Architecture and the 2016 Governor General’s Medal in Landscape Architecture during a ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Tuesday, September 20, 2016.

His Excellency presented the 2016 Governor General's Medal in Landscape Architecture to Cornelia Hahn Oberlander, O.C., MBCSLA, FCSLA, FASLA, Vancouver (B.C.).

Cornelia Hahn Oberlander has practiced landscape architecture for more than 60 years and has played a seminal role in the evolution of modernism in the context of architecture, landscape architecture and planning. Throughout her long and distinguished career, she has championed design that reflects a strong understanding of and respect for cultural and environmental context. Appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2009, Ms. Hahn Oberlander has been an influential leader in building places and policy that support an intimate and beautiful connection with the natural world.

The President of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, Gordon Smith, said a few remarks before introducing the laureate of the 2016 Governor General's Medal in Landscape Architecture.

His Excellency presented the 2016 Governor General’s Medal in Architecture to Micheal Green Architecture, Vancouver, British Columbia, for the project of the Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon. It provides a "home away from home" for out-of-town families with children receiving medical treatment in Vancouver.

His Excellency presented the 2016 Governor General’s Medal in Architecture to McLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects, Toronto, Ontari, for the Regent Park Aquatic Centre project. As the first facility in Canada to adopt a singular use of universal change rooms, it addresses cultural and gender identity issues, while enhancing openness, safety and visibility through the entire complex.

His Excellency presented the 2016 Governor General’s Medal in Architecture to Hemsworth Architecture, Vancouver, British Columbia. BC Passive House Factory is an all-wood construction demonstration project. The new 1 500-square-metre facility is used for manufacturing prefabricated Passive House panels and was conceived as a simple, light-filled wooden box.

The Director and CEO of the Canada Council for the Arts, Simon Brault, said a few remarks before the beginning of the ceremony.

"Today, we celebrate architecture that elevates our communities and this country," said His Excellency. "Through the innovative use of design, materials and landscapes, the recipients of these medals have contributed to the richness and diversity of Canada."

The Governor General’s Medals in Architecture recognize outstanding achievement in recently built projects by Canadian architects. Created in 2014 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA), the Governor General’s Medal in Landscape Architecture celebrates the contributions that professional landscape architects have made to the urban, rural and natural environments of Canada over the last century.