Imagining a space that reflects us
To create a centre that inspires and serves the entire community, the City of Beaconsfield launched a multidisciplinary architecture competition in 2024.
The goal? To gather the best ideas for designing a multipurpose cultural centre that is accessible, sustainable, and seamlessly integrated into the natural setting that includes both the Lord Reading Yacht Club property and Centennial Park.
The competition brought together top-tier design teams capable of meeting high standards while honouring the spirit of the site.
A rigorous, transparent process
The architecture competition was initiated by the City of Beaconsfield in accordance with the professional standards recognized by the Quebec Order of Architects – Ordre des architectes du Québec (OAQ). It was overseen by a professional advisor mandated by the City to ensure a fair, rigorous, and transparent process.
Key steps in the competition
This structure allowed for an objective evaluation of all submissions, with clear criteria and strong community input throughout.
Clear and meaningful criteria
Design proposals had to:
- Integrate harmoniously into the park and the natural landscape
- Offer an inclusive experience for all generations
- Reflect sustainable development principles
- Create a space that is bright, inspiring, accessible, and adaptable
- Reflect Beaconsfield’s values and identity
Particular emphasis was placed on architectural quality, ease of circulation, the relationship to the lake and natural surroundings, and the Centre’s connection to the municipal hub.
A rigorous process informed by two expert bodies
The jury • An independent and informed perspective
- Composed of Beaconsfield residents with relevant expertise (architecture, landscape design, librarianship), renowned architects, and municipal professionals
- Mandate: to evaluate all submissions and select the winner, based on objective criteria (inclusivity, sustainability, integration, etc.)
- Role: to recommend the winning team to the City
The technical committee • Expert analysis and insight
- Composed of independent experts and municipal professionals with diverse specializations (universal accessibility, sustainability, librarianship, culture, urban planning, architecture, cost estimation, etc.)
- Role: to assess the technical, regulatory, and functional feasibility of each finalist’s proposal and confirm compliance with the competition guidelines
- Delivers detailed reports to the jury to inform, but not influence, deliberations
Together, these two bodies helped ensure the integrity, fairness, and quality of the decision-making process behind Beaconsfield’s architecture competition.
The result: a winning design that is both highly functional and deeply meaningful, enhancing the city’s social and cultural landscape for years to come.
