Bank of Canada – Ottawa, ON
Bank of Canada – Ottawa, ON
In the heart of Ottawa, an architectural masterpiece challenges our perception of what’s possible in biophilic workplace design.
Background
The Bank of Canada invested $460 million in renewing its Ottawa headquarters, working with designers Perkins + Will in collaboration with landscape architecture firm DTAH. The renewal project successfully balanced the preservation of architect Arthur Erickson’s original vision with modern workplace demands.
A standout feature of the renovation was the reinterpretation of Erickson’s original atrium concept. This featured three mounds of Canadian-style greenery and a large pergola. Where greenery couldn’t exist naturally, Erickson found a way to create it – a radical approach for its time that remains influential today.
The new design transformed this space into a functional environment for informal meetings and events, while maintaining the natural elements that were central to the original vision.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
In the heart of Ottawa, an architectural masterpiece challenges our perception of what’s possible in biophilic workplace design.
Background
The Bank of Canada invested $460 million in renewing its Ottawa headquarters, working with designers Perkins + Will in collaboration with landscape architecture firm DTAH. The renewal project successfully balanced the preservation of architect Arthur Erickson’s original vision with modern workplace demands.
A standout feature of the renovation was the reinterpretation of Erickson’s original atrium concept. This featured three mounds of Canadian-style greenery and a large pergola. Where greenery couldn’t exist naturally, Erickson found a way to create it – a radical approach for its time that remains influential today.
The new design transformed this space into a functional environment for informal meetings and events, while maintaining the natural elements that were central to the original vision.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
"Erickson’s original vision involved a seamless integration of architecture and landscape, which was the primary inspiration for the new design."
INNOVATION IN INDOOR FORESTRY
One of the project’s most forward-thinking elements is its successful integration of trees within the indoor environment. This was made possible through the implementation of GreenBlue Urban’s soil cells. The soil cell system provides trees with essential soil volume and root space, without impacting surrounding infrastructure. The project opened new possibilities for integrating nature into corporate environments.
Benefits of Nature in the Corporate Environment
Living trees and plants enhance the workplace environment in multiple ways:
Employee Well-being:
- Reduced workplace stress
- Enhanced creativity
- Improved mental focus
- Better air quality
Building Performance:
- Natural humidity control
- Improved acoustics
- Enhanced environmental efficiency
"Erickson’s original vision involved a seamless integration of architecture and landscape, which was the primary inspiration for the new design."
INNOVATION IN INDOOR FORESTRY
One of the project’s most forward-thinking elements is its successful integration of trees within the indoor environment. This was made possible through the implementation of GreenBlue Urban’s soil cells. The soil cell system provides trees with essential soil volume and root space, without impacting surrounding infrastructure. The project opened new possibilities for integrating nature into corporate environments.
Benefits of Nature in the Corporate Environment
Living trees and plants enhance the workplace environment in multiple ways:
Employee Well-being:
- Reduced workplace stress
- Enhanced creativity
- Improved mental focus
- Better air quality
Building Performance:
- Natural humidity control
- Improved acoustics
- Enhanced environmental efficiency
ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
The headquarters earned LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification through excellence in:
- Sustainable site development
- Water efficiency
- Energy management
- Resource conservation
- Indoor environmental quality
- Design innovation
The renewal also earned several other prestigious awards:
- National Award of Excellence, Small-Scale Landscapes – Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (2020)
- Existing Building Upgrade Award – Canadian Green Building Awards, SAB Magazine (2019)
- Award of Excellence – Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards (2018)
- Honorable Mention, Workplace, Innovation by Design – Fast Company (2018)
- Award of Excellence, Public Places and Civic Spaces – Ottawa Urban Design Awards (2017)
The headquarters exemplifies the successful fusion of architectural heritage with sustainable design. Through innovative solutions like the ArborSystem, nature can thrive even in the most unnatural environment.
ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
The headquarters earned LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification through excellence in:
- Sustainable site development
- Water efficiency
- Energy management
- Resource conservation
- Indoor environmental quality
- Design innovation
The renewal also earned several other prestigious awards:
- National Award of Excellence, Small-Scale Landscapes – Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (2020)
- Existing Building Upgrade Award – Canadian Green Building Awards, SAB Magazine (2019)
- Award of Excellence – Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards (2018)
- Honorable Mention, Workplace, Innovation by Design – Fast Company (2018)
- Award of Excellence, Public Places and Civic Spaces – Ottawa Urban Design Awards (2017)
The headquarters exemplifies the successful fusion of architectural heritage with sustainable design. Through innovative solutions like the ArborSystem, nature can thrive even in the most unnatural environment.
