This building, opened in 1989 as Canadian Museum of Civilization at the time, is another project that is very representative of Cardinal's architectural style.
Influenced by his indigenous heritage it focuses on the response to its surroundings.
It is located on the banks of the Ottawa River, facing Parliament Hill.
All the massive government buildings in the city center are clustered and turned away from the river.
Cardinal opened the Great Hall towards the river, making it the only building in the area that is responding to it.
This approach also translated into the wrapping facade with curves that can embrace and invite people inside and create welcoming environment.
The envelope of the building is shaped in an organic form, as if sculptured by the forces of nature.
He also wanted to acknowledge his appreciation for the Parliament by using the same limestone as the one used in the building.
Besides responding to the site conditions, the museum also engages with its historic context by including totem poles and native murals inside the building.
He wanted the space inside feel alive and dynamic, and not limit its form to the programmatic requirements.
Former Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau also encouraged Cardinal to create a museum where people embrace their different backgrounds and learn from each other.
Prime minister's idea for multicultural Canadian society aligned well with Cardinal's vision.
The overall concept and purpose of the building corresponded with his ideas.
However, in 1984 the new Brian Mulroney government was not approving of Cardinal's design.
He then lost his team on the project and was not fully paid for his previous work.
This was a tremendous loss for the architect, but he was too driven to fulfill this project and was not willing to give up.
After long years of defending his design, he eventually finished the museum and it became one of his many fundamental projects.
This building, opened in 1989 as Canadian Museum of Civilization at the time, is another project that is very representative of Cardinal's architectural style. Influenced by his indigenous heritage it focuses on the response to its surroundings. It is located on the banks of the Ottawa River, facing Parliament Hill. All the massive government buildings in the city center are clustered and turned away from the river. Cardinal opened the Great Hall towards the river, making it the only building in the area that is responding to it. This approach also translated into the wrapping facade with curves that can embrace and invite people inside and create welcoming environment. The envelope of the building is shaped in an organic form, as if sculptured by the forces of nature. He also wanted to acknowledge his appreciation for the Parliament by using the same limestone as the one used in the building. Besides responding to the site conditions, the museum also engages with its historic context by including totem poles and native murals inside the building. He wanted the space inside feel alive and dynamic, and not limit its form to the programmatic requirements. Former Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau also encouraged Cardinal to create a museum where people embrace their different backgrounds and learn from each other. Prime minister's idea for multicultural Canadian society aligned well with Cardinal's vision. The overall concept and purpose of the building corresponded with his ideas. However, in 1984 the new Brian Mulroney government was not approving of Cardinal's design. He then lost his team on the project and was not fully paid for his previous work. This was a tremendous loss for the architect, but he was too driven to fulfill this project and was not willing to give up. After long years of defending his design, he eventually finished the museum and it became one of his many fundamental projects.
Douglas Cardinal