DIALOG’s Centennial College A-Building Expansion, in collaboration with Smoke Architecture, has been shortlisted for the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) 2024 Design Excellence Award.

The chosen finalists represent the best in design and innovation by Ontario architects, chosen by a jury of respected design experts. The award program gives practices the opportunity to showcase the possibilities for the built environment and the transformative influence of architecture, while promoting appreciation for the field.

Centennial College A-Building Expansion was judged on criteria such as creativity, sustainability, good design/good business, and legacy, in addition to disclosure of Energy Use Intensity (EUI) metrics – reflecting the dedication to advancing climate action and ensuring sustainable, resilient design.

These awards spotlight exemplary projects, with this year’s selection featuring a diverse range of building types including sustainably designed community centres, schools and learning facilities, and residences. The 10 winning projects will be announced in April, and celebrated at the OAA Conference in Niagara Falls in May.

DIALOG is proud to be selected as a finalist for this respectable award, alongside the other exceptional talent within the industry.

Centennial College A-Building Expansion

Located on the Centennial College Progress Campus in Scarborough, ON, the transformative addition to the college’s campus seamlessly blends Indigenous perspectives, sustainability and innovative architecture. The project is Canada’s first LEED Gold, zero carbon, WELL certified, mass timber, higher-education facility.

Smoke Architecture, an Anishinaabeg owned and operated architecture practice, coordinated with DIALOG on the Indigenous aspects of the design. DIALOG partnered with EllisDon Construction on the A-Building project. The building pays homage to Indigenous traditions and nature-inspired sustainability and is rooted in the Mi’kmaq concept of “Two-Eyed Seeing,” which harmonizes Indigenous wisdom and Western perspectives.

About Ontario Association of Architects (OAA)

Founded in 1889, the Ontario Association of Architects is a self-regulating organization under the Architects Act, a statute of the Government of Ontario. It is dedicated to promoting and increasing the knowledge, skill, and proficiency of its members, and administering the Act, in order that the public interest may be served and protected.