SC3 awarded 2006 Governor General’s Medal in Architecture

Only Manitoba firm to win award

WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- Monday May 1, 2006 –  Smith Carter, one of Canada’s most prominent architectural and engineering firms, has been awarded the prestigious Governor General’s Medal in Architecture for its innovative workplace SC3. The award, viewed as the highest achievement in Canadian architecture, was announced in Ottawa earlier today by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) and the Canada Council for the Arts.

The Smith Carter workplace is one of two winners from Western Canada, with the majority of the awards presented in recognition of projects in Montreal, Quebec and Toronto.

“Our building was designed, by our team, to express the value we place in the sustainability of our people, the community, the business and the environment. It’s about inspiration and our optimistic outlook on the future. People aren’t often aware of the impact of strong design and how it can fuel the development of a city,” said Scott Stirton, CEO.

Recipients are selected by a panel of distinguished architects from Canada and around the world and are given out every two years. Manitoba has traditionally been under-represented, Stirton said.

“The Governor General’s Medal represents the pinnacle of design excellence in architecture. To join the select few who are chosen by such a distinguished group means that we, a Manitoba-born and Manitoba-based firm, are contributing to the foundation of excellence in Canadian architecture and hopefully increasing the public perception of it as a visual and experiential art form that reflects the positive future of our country. To be honoured for our own project is extremely rewarding.”

The firm’s signature head office on Buffalo Place in Winnipeg, showcases environmentally responsible design and applies advanced technologies, materials and techniques to create a staff-friendly workplace where creativity can flourish. The architectural and engineering design was done by a Smith Carter team, and the building construction involved several local suppliers.

The building, dubbed “SC3”  allows Smith Carter to ‘walk the talk’ and demonstrates how its clients can benefit from the firm’s innovative approach to design. It illustrates the firm’s philosophy that well-designed workplaces increase employee satisfaction and ultimately improve productivity. The 49,500 square-foot, $8 million building houses the firm’s 100 Winnipeg employees and features an open-air studio concept, wireless communications and staff amenities including a wrap-around deck and a second-floor “skybox” featuring a large lounge, exercise centre, and quiet room. The design allows multidisciplinary teams to collaborate efficiently and creatively in an inspiring environment.

Details on the award are available on www.raic.org