As the regulatory body governing architecture in Ontario, the OAA plays a pivotal role in promoting the importance of innovative design and sustainable architecture in building resilient and vibrant communities.

Grounding Meadow tries to bring the experience of the ravine into the site. The ground is sculpted to capture water, while planting treats and gradually releases it. The undulating landscape re-contextualizes the building and reminds visitors of the vast natural features of the city around them. The render was submitted by Team Chestnut, as part of The Grounding Meadow submission for the OAA Landscape Design Competition. 

In March 2024, the OAA launched its Landscape Design Competition to reimagine the grounds of its Toronto headquarters into a more sustainable, accessible, artful, and welcoming space. With architect Joe Lobko working in a professional advisor role, the anonymous competition focused on taking meaningful steps toward healing our relationship with the land and its original caretakers, all while celebrating the natural beauty of the adjacent Don River watershed context, both in terms of scenery and biodiversity.

The competition required that each team included a full member of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA) and a civil engineer. Membership in the OAA, however, was not a requirement for entry. As anonymity for participants was crucial for ensuring fairness, the 19 interdisciplinary teams were assigned a “tree” name by Lobko and kept confidential from the jury and OAA.

Exploring the interplay of light and design at the OAA’s headquarters. These drawings capture the transformation of the entry sequence from day to night, creating a captivating experience during public events. The site sections were submitted by Team Chestnut, as part of The Grounding Meadow submission for the OAA Landscape Design Competition. 

The winning proposal, "The Grounding Meadow," was presented by Team Chestnut. Following the competition, it was announced that this team was led by Nima Javidi and Behnaz Assadi of Ja Architecture Studio, with landscape architect Todd Douglas of Janet Rosenberg & Studio, and civil engineer Kayam Ramsewak of MTE Consultants.

The proposal charmed the jury with its minimalist approach, which allows water to flow freely beneath a wild meadow while also enhancing the site's natural ecology. Culturally significant plants are set to be incorporated to honour Indigenous communities and support biodiversity by attracting an array of pollinators, wildlife, and birds. "The Grounding Meadow" was awarded a $20,000 prize and has been selected to lead the landscape redesign project at 111 Moatfield Drive in Toronto.

The reclaimed paving blocks of the entry drop-off areas will remain on site and stacked as a series of plinths within the pond’s landscape around which the pedestrian will ascend. This will naturally act as an outdoor gallery for the OAA and an ideal interface between the public and the OAA. The render was submitted by Team Chestnut, as part of The Grounding Meadow submission for the OAA Landscape Design Competition.