HERITAGE OTTAWA, By Leslie Maitland

At Tuesday's Open Board Meeting of the National Capital Commission (NCC), Stephen Willis, Executive Director of the Capital Planning Branch, presented an update on the rejuvenation project underway at the National Arts Centre (NAC).

The addition to the NAC will improve pedestrian access to the building while improving its relationship with the street. The addition wraps around the north and west facades, and features vertical panels of glass which give a nod to the precast concrete panels of the original structure.

The proposed addition to the National Arts Centre - a national historic site commemorated for its excellent Brutalist design - was not without some controversy, much of which centred on the design of a fairly tall lantern/entranceway to the buildingon Elgin Street. The presentation addressed previously expressed concerns such as the light levels, nature of advertising, sponsorship logos, and the need for a dignified facade on the side of the building facing the National War Memorial.

Light levels will be adjustable, advertising would be only of NAC events, and sponsorship logos will not be placed on the building facade facing the War Memorial.

NAC representative Rosemary Thompson also addressed the board, and took the opportunity to announce the NAC's establishment of a First Nations Theatre Company. The board was supportive of the proposed treatment of the lantern, and very appreciative of the NAC's collaboration with the NCC.