City announces shortlist of five teams to design new central library

A new milestone has been achieved in the project to create a new Ottawa Public Library – Library and Archives Canada joint facility. A City of Ottawa Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for professional design services, initiated in May of 2017, has resulted in the selection of five shortlisted teams from 33 submissions received. The shortlisted teams have been invited to participate in the Request for Proposals (RFP) process.

The shortlisted teams are (in alphabetical order):

  • Bing Thom Architects (Canada) – GRC Architects (Canada)
  • Diamond Schmitt Architects (Canada) – KWC Architects (Canada)
  • Mecanoo International b.v. (Holland) – NORR Architects & Engineers Ltd (Canada)
  • Patkau Architects (Canada) – MSDL Architects (Canada) – GRC Architects (Canada)
  • Schmidt/hammer/lassen/ architects (Denmark) – KPMB Architects (Canada) – Hobin Architecture Inc. (Canada)

As a requirement in the RFQ, the shortlisted teams have demonstrated a proven track record in architectural design excellence with projects of a similar size, scope and complexity, and relevant experience in buildings of national, provincial, institutional or civic importance – including libraries, archives, cultural institutions, performing arts centres or museums.

The two-phase procurement process for professional design services will continue in the coming months with the RFP. Once an architectural team is selected, the design development work will begin, including initial concepts and schematic designs. Broad public consultation will be an integral part of the design process. Construction tendering will follow after the design work is completed.