Deadline for submissions is Friday, September 3 at 4 pm. All online submissions must be received by the deadline date. Late submissions will not be accepted.
For more information regarding the Ottawa Urban Design Awards, email urbandesignawards@ottawa.ca.
Award Categories
1. Urban Infill
Sub-categories:
- Low rise (1-4 storeys )
- Mid to high rise (5+ storeys)
A building or group of buildings, of high architectural standard, that achieves urban design excellence and creativity due to a thorough and sensitive understanding of the context, site plan, massing and pedestrian amenities. The building(s) will enhance the urban fabric of the neighbourhood.
All types of buildings are eligible, whether landmark or background, new construction or a restoration/transformation. Building types may be mainstreet, mixed-use, residential (detached, attached, multi-unit), commercial, institutional or industrial.
2. Public Places and Civic Spaces
A place defined by adjacent buildings or a natural area or park that exhibits sustainability, and that enhances, extends and embellishes an accessible public realm. These shall be public indoor or outdoor spaces and may include streets, courtyards, plazas, forecourts, trails, parks, bridges, streetscapes and mews.
3. Urban Elements
A designed piece or pieces of a building or landscape that makes a positive contribution to the character of the neighbourhood at a human scale. It adds amenity, enhances the public experience and contributes to the quality and accessibility of the environment. Urban Elements can include an innovative solution that embodies the principles of universal design and may be street furniture, permanent works of art, doorways, gateways, fountains, railings, façades, light fixtures, canopies, walkways and signage, etc.
4. Visions and Master Plans
Studies and master plans that are inspiring, trend setting and significant for the future development of the City. A vision for the City.
5. Community Initiatives - A new award offered in 2019
A built project, however modest, that highlights the power of community action and / or community engagement. An exceptional project in this category will demonstrate the roles of the community and design in generating a dialogue on local issues such as environmental sustainability, mobility, inclusivity, social consciousness, and quality of life. Projects in this category are initiated or implemented by a community member or organization and will demonstrate their role as a steward, educator, and community builder. The project may be related to streetscaping, programming, public art, commemoration, environmental stewardship or cultural interpretation, and will be inspiring, imaginative, educational, or aspirational.
6. Student Projects
A theoretical or studio project that specifically relates to Ottawa. Students that attend universities offering degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and industrial design can submit an entry.
Eligibility
Different types of projects completed between September 1, 2019 and August 31, 2021 are eligible:
- Buildings (residential, mixed-use, recreational, commercial, institutional and industrial)
- Building additions and exterior renovations
- Parks and open spaces
- Civic structures
- Public utilities
- Street improvements
- Public art
The following projects are NOT eligible for the Urban Design Awards:
- Building interiors
- Private spaces (i.e. private gardens, backyards, rooftops, etc.)
- Incomplete projects or plans
- Projects or plans located outside of the City of Ottawa
- Heritage and historic preservation, and adaptive re-use projects
The competition is open to urban designers, planners, landscape architects, architects, engineers, developers, artists, contractors, consultants, landowners, community groups, students and the public who have contributed to Ottawa’s urban design landscape.