Toronto, Tokyo architects named winner of design competition for Banff Visitor’s Centre: Parks Canada

The winning design for the new Banff Visitors Centre was announced Wednesday by Parks Canada

A Toronto design firm and Tokyo architect were named the winners of a competition to design a new Banff Visitors Centre by Parks Canada Wednesday.

Paul Raff Studio and Kengo Kuma & Associates were chosen in an international competition for a “reimagined visitor centre and community space on the 200 block of Banff Avenue.”

The announcement came after a year-long process in which a short list of six interdisciplinary teams were invited to submit designs from an original group of 44 submissions. Those teams included world‑class architects, landscape architects, engineers, Indigenous knowledge weavers, and visitor experience specialists.

The six designs were all posted online for the public to view.

“The selected concept does not represent a final design, but rather the strongest foundation from which the project can continue to evolve,” Parks Canada said in a media release.

“The jury’s decision was unanimous and confident,” said Mike Brennan, the CEO of The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. “The winning design was selected not only for its design excellence, but for its flexibility and resilience, qualities that allow it to evolve without losing its essence.

“The jury was satisfied that advancing this design does not compromise its original spirit but rather provides the strongest framework for thoughtful refinement over time.”

“The future visitors centre will be a vibrant community space in the heart of Banff; a space intended to support Canadians and visitors alike connecting with Parks Canada and Banff National Park in meaningful ways,” said Julie Dabrusin, the federal minister of environment, climate change of Canada and nature.

“It reflects shared values of conservation, stewardship and inclusivity, and places visitor experience, outdoor space and sustainability at the forefront of the conceptual design.”

The final costs associated with redeveloping the site aren’t yet known. In 2022, the federal government allocated $8 million to “launch public engagement and planning for the re-development in the 200-block of Banff Avenue.”

With files from CTV News’ Melissa Gilligan