ONTARIO.- The Governor General's Medals in Architecture has been awarded to Moriyama & Teshima Architects (Toronto, ON) / Griffiths Rankin Cook Architects (Ottawa, ON): in joint venture Lead Design Architects: Raymond Moriyama, FRAIC and Alex Rankin, FRAIC for he design of the New Canadian War Museum.

The Governor General’s Medals in Architecture recognize outstanding achievement in recently built projects by Canadian architects. This program, created by the RAIC, contributes to the development of the discipline and practice of architecture, and increases public awareness of architecture as a vital cultural force in Canadian society. These awards are administered jointly with the Canada Council for the Arts, which is responsible for the adjudication process and contributes to the publication highlighting the medal winners.

The Governor General’s Medals in Architecture will be presented October 16, 2008 in Ottawa at Rideau Hall by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada.

Regeneration embodies the sequences of devastation, rebirth and adaptation. War destroys nature and yet it regenerates as the power of life prevails: a process that rekindles faith and courage. Regeneration as a design concept was inspired by the deeds and stories of Canadian veterans.

The New Canadian War Museum emerges from the bank of the Ottawa River, rising eastward to engage the cityscape and pay homage to the Parliamentary Precinct. The building expresses the ambiguities of war and sacrifice, the profound attachment we have to land and site, and that intangible quality that is integral to our identity as Canadians.