September 17, 2014
The designers and builders of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) are among those celebrating Canada’s newest achievement, the grand opening of Canada’s new signature museum.
“As the Executive Architect for the CMHR, we were proud to realize the global vision set forth by Izzy Asper over 14 years ago“ says Scott Stirton, President of Architecture49 (A49). “Together with PCL, who led the construction, we are honoured to have been part of a team that includes thousands of Manitobans who have worked tirelessly to bring this inspirational project to life, locally” continued Stirton.
Designed to elicit specific emotional responses on the journey to enlightenment, the building creates a spiritual backdrop for the stories that are represented in the exhibits. The irregular form and non‐traditional use of materials such as concrete, basalt stone, alabaster and limestone work in harmony to create not only visual interest but a primal and timeless sense of place.
“The design concept created by Antoine Predock was arguably the most geometrically and spatially unique structures we have ever worked on. Realizing this building involved a multi‐disciplinary approach of rare magnitude in the Canadian design world” said Grant VanInderstine, Project Architect with A49. Creating this world‐class showpiece of architecture and construction presented unparalleled challenges. The complex nature of the building form ‐ an intricate integration of concrete, steel and glass ‐ pushed the boundaries of the conventional design process, application technologies, and construction delivery. The use of technologies including 3D modeling will forever change the way complex projects are designed, managed and built.
As Executive Architect for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Architecture49 managed and facilitated the integration of a large and geographically diverse integrated design team composed of client, consultants and constructors, within the context of aggressive quality objectives and a fast‐track delivery schedule. Working closely in sync with the Design Architect, Antoine Predock, A49 transcribed design intent to develop the technical details required for implementation in construction.
Already garnering widespread design recognition including: Global Best Project Award in the Cultural Category from Engineering‐News Record (2014), the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) Ontario Steel Design Awards of Excellence (2013), and the Honourable Mention by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, Award of Excellence, Innovation in Architecture (for BIM), the CMHR is expected to become an icon for Winnipeg and a symbol of the human rights dialogue globally.
You can learn more about the CMHR project by going to Architecture49.com for design information, a fact sheet, illustrated virtual design and construction case study, and links to various social media postings.
About the CMHR. The CMHR is the first museum in the world solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights. It is the first national museum in Canada to be built outside the National Capital Region. Using immersive multi‐media technology and other innovative approaches, the Museum will create inspiring encounters with human rights as part of a visitor experience unlike any other.
About Architecture49. Architecture49 is a national leader in the integrated design and delivery of some of Canada’s most important buildings and environments. Focused on six key areas of expertise: Healthcare, Hospitality, Science and Technology, Security and Defence, Sports and Entertainment, and Transportation, these national sectors complement our ongoing base of regional and community work.
For more information, please contact:
Maureen Fitzhenry
Media relations manager
CMHR
204.289.2112
Cell: 204.782.8442
maureen.fitzhenry@museumforhumanrights.ca
Heather Smith
Communications & Business Development
Architecture49
204.477.1260
Cell: 204.223.5113
heather.smith@architecture49.com