The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) is hosting an anonymous Landscape Design Competition aimed at revitalizing the grounds of its Toronto headquarters as an extension of its Renew + Refresh initiative. In addition to showcasing design excellence, teams—led by OAA or Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA) members—are asked to submit designs that create a welcoming and inclusive arrival experience, incorporate public art, promote sustainability and water use in the health of the environment, and embrace the Don River watershed context. Given the substantial societal impact of the built environment, the Association celebrates sensitive, responsible, and innovative design that supports resiliency and inclusivity. Ultimately, this competition is an opportunity to think about how we can take steps to heal our relationship with the land and its original caretakers.
The winning team will secure the contract for the redesign, emphasizing the significance of architecture and the allied arts in societal well-being.
The Technical Advisory Team is engaged to perform two essential tasks in support of the design competition process. Their first role is to help inform the detailed development of the Project Brief, the document which outlines the objectives of the competition process as well as the criteria to be used in evaluating design submissions. Once design proposals are received, the Technical Advisory Team provides a review of each one in relation to the objectives and selection criteria identified in the Project Brief, from the perspective of their area of expertise. This review is summarized in a concise report provided to the Jury to help inform their deliberations intended to identify a preferred concept to be implemented.
Given the specific objectives of this design competition process, the OAA has engaged a landscape architect, civil engineer and cost consultant to support the OAA team in the development of project objectives and review of submissions.
Technical Advisory Team Member, Sibylle von Knobloch, OALA, CSLA (Principal, senior landscape architect with O2 Planning + Design)
Sibylle, as Principal of NAK Design Group Inc. since 1987, has been at the forefront of shaping urban landscapes, leading designs that range from public parks to significant multi-use developments with a keen focus on sustainability and environmental sensitivity. Her portfolio showcases landmark projects such as Gibson Park, Tippet Park, and Holly Park in Toronto; and Pat Bayly Square in Ajax, all reflecting her commitment to ecological enhancement and community well-being.
Following NAK's merger into O2 Planning and Design in 2022, she continues to direct a variety of landscape architectural projects across Canada. Her contributions have been widely recognized, earning her such accolades as the OALA Carl Borgstrom Award for Environmental Service in 2023, among others from the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects and Urban Design Awards from the City of Toronto. Sibylle’s advisory roles, including on the Toronto Urban Design Review Committee, highlight her influence in shaping urban landscapes, alongside her enduring affiliations with the OALA and CSLA since 1985.
The chosen jury is scheduled to convene in early June to review all submissions. Following their evaluation, they will award a preferred candidate with the contract to carry out the project. Additionally, two submissions will be recognized with honourable mentions.
Final submissions for the Landscape Design Competition, which are due by May 16, will be showcased anonymously at the OAA Headquarters during Doors Open Toronto 2024 on May 25 and 26, and continuing to June 21. Guided tours of the building interior will be offered daily during the Doors Open event, offering visitors a unique glimpse into net-zero design solutions.