HERITAGE OTTAWA, By Linda Dicaire

In honour of the annual Phillips Memorial Lecture and at the invitation of Heritage Ottawa, the Global Centre for Pluralism graciously and generously accepted to host a recent evening presentation by architect Shirley Blumberg in the stunning hall of the Delegation of Ismaili Imamat, located at 199 Sussex Drive on the Capital’s ceremonial route.

On this calm winter’s night, an enthusiastic crowd of more than two-hundred people rewarded the evening’s speaker and organizers with its presence. Participants were welcomed by the Secretary General John McNee who introduced the mission of the Global Centre for Pluralism and its Board of Directors, and by Heritage Ottawa President David Jeanes.

The audience was drawn into a riveting presentation by Order of Canada architect Shirley Blumberg of KPMB Architects, on the restoration and artful repurposing of the former Canadian War Museum and Dominion Archives of Canada building situated at 330 Sussex Drive into the new international headquarters of the Global Centre for Pluralism, soon to open its doors in June 2017.

Dimensions thoughtfully explored by Mrs. Blumberg included a walk through archival images, the careful investigation of the condition of the building prior to the commencement of rehabilitation work, the heritage conservation opportunities and challenges such as those of re-using existing beams, the peeling away of unhappy layers introduced over time, the revelation of architectural features, the philosophy and techniques of remediation, the introduction of an outdoor courtyard that is to blossom seasonally with a riot of hardy flora, and the stirring, at last, of a meaningful relationship with the Ottawa River including views. 

Highlights included an account of the visit by His Highness the Aga Kahn and of his aspirations for the building. The rationale for the transformation of spaces within the building was clearly illustrated with photographs taken in situ and with digital explorations. Images of the work in progress demonstrated the promise held that was unfolding right before the audience’s appreciative eyes.

The evening closed with a warm expression of thanks by Heritage Ottawa to Mrs. Blumberg for her travel to Ottawa to deliver this well rounded presentation, and for the discipline and professionalism of her creative work, and to his Highness the Aga Khan, the Aga Khan Foundation, the Global Centre of Pluralism and the Ismaili Imamat, for having placed the Delegation of Ismaili Imamat and the international headquarters of the Global Centre for Pluralism in Canada’s Capital. These buildings and the activities within them enrich Canada and contribute to a lasting legacy of heritage and of pluralism.

The parting quotes projected on the screen for guests to ponder, as they prepared to bid each other farewell, were borrowed from John Ralston Saul.

“While all countries are complex, the central characteristic of the Canadian state is its complexity.”

“An idea of belonging which is comfortable with contradictions.”

Are not tangible and intangible heritage vessels for the idea of belonging?

Linda Dicaire is a Fellow of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects and a member of the Board of Directors, Heritage Ottawa.

The Annual Phillips Memorial Lecture honours the memory of Bob and Mary Anne Phillips, co-founders of Heritage Ottawa.

The entire lecture presentation is available on YouTube courtesy of our partners at the Global Centre for Pluralism.