Performing arts centres in Sudbury and New York City, a number of community centres and a climate change research facility are among the 10 recipients of the Ontario Association of Architects’ 2024 Design Excellence Awards.

Held biennially, the award program is intended to showcase the work of Ontario architects. While the projects can be anywhere in the world, the architects have to be based in the province.

 A panel of design experts selected the winning projects, first narrowing 100 submissions to 20 finalists using criteria such as creativity, context, sustainability, good design/good business and legacy.

 Submissions also required the inclusion of energy use intensity. That requirement reflects the OAA’s commitment to pursuing climate stability in the public interest and ensuring that sustainable, resilient design is a critical component of any successful project, says its president, Settimo Vilardi.

As part of the conference, the projects and their design teams will be recognized at a Celebration of Excellence at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre on May 23 at 5:30 p.m. It will be recorded for on-demand viewing on the OAA’s YouTube channel.