National Arts Centre Rejuvenation / Diamond Schmitt Architects

National Arts Centre Rejuvenation / Diamond Schmitt Architects - Exterior Photography, Waterfront, CityscapeNational Arts Centre Rejuvenation / Diamond Schmitt Architects - Interior Photography, Beam, Facade, ColumnNational Arts Centre Rejuvenation / Diamond Schmitt Architects - Interior Photography, Wood, Lighting, Windows, BeamNational Arts Centre Rejuvenation / Diamond Schmitt Architects - Interior Photography, Stairs, Beam, Chair, HandrailNational Arts Centre Rejuvenation / Diamond Schmitt Architects - More Images+ 11

More SpecsLess Specs
National Arts Centre Rejuvenation / Diamond Schmitt Architects - Exterior Photography, Waterfront, Cityscape
© doublespace photography

Text description provided by the architects. The National Arts Centre was a Centennial project, built in the Brutalist style. It is a robust concrete structure of rigorous geometry but sits like a dark fortress in the centre of the nation’s capital. For Canada’s 150th anniversary, the National Arts Centre’s rejuvenation project reorients and opens up the building to the city. The transformation of the NAC is an exploration in architectural transparency, relieving the opaque mass of the original and offering a new material palette. Every design decision was based on the inherent logic embedded in the original Brutalist structure, as a reinterpretation of its geometry, texture, and rigor.

National Arts Centre Rejuvenation / Diamond Schmitt Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade
© doublespace photography

Building on the original geometry, the addition is comprised of three wings of public amenity and gathering spaces. It is a transparent wrapping, revealing the creative activity inside. Contrasting the original structure, the addition offers a new material palette of wood, steel, glass, and perforated bronze. The Douglas fir glulam timber coffer system provides both structural support for the roof and the finished ceiling.

National Arts Centre Rejuvenation / Diamond Schmitt Architects - Interior Photography, Stairs, Beam, Chair, Handrail
© doublespace photography
National Arts Centre Rejuvenation / Diamond Schmitt Architects - Image 14 of 16
Section
National Arts Centre Rejuvenation / Diamond Schmitt Architects - Interior Photography, Chair
© doublespace photography
National Arts Centre Rejuvenation / Diamond Schmitt Architects - Interior Photography, Beam, Facade, Column
© doublespace photography

A highly coordinated prefabrication process met the demanding construction schedule and also showcases Canadian materials and ingenuity. The geometry of the coffers is inspired by the original building and adds a layer of texture and visual warmth to the structure. A customized hybrid steel/aluminum curtainwall system allows for larger panes of glass and a transparent building envelope.

National Arts Centre Rejuvenation / Diamond Schmitt Architects - Interior Photography, Wood, Lighting, Windows, Beam
© doublespace photography

For almost 50 years, the National Arts Centre has promoted and presented the arts from across the country and beyond in a four-stage complex that was inscrutable, where patrons had difficulty finding the entrance. This transformation projects a new and welcoming presence to the city that connects and engages the public by revealing the activity within. Designed to be Ottawa’s ‘living room’, the transparent lobby and public space activate this central location day and night with an animated presence. The new hexagonal entry tower enables digital display on a transparent screen, showcasing artistic creation from across the country, reinforcing the NAC’s role as a national institution of excellence in the performing arts.

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "National Arts Centre Rejuvenation / Diamond Schmitt Architects" 09 Apr 2021. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/959751/national-arts-centre-rejuvenation-diamond-schmitt-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

© doublespace photography

加拿大国家艺术中心改造 / Diamond Schmitt Architects

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.