330 Sussex Drive: New Headquarters of the Global Centre for Pluralism Media Brief On May 16, 2017, the Global Centre for Pluralism will officially inaugurate its new global headquarters at 330 Sussex Drive in Ottawa. Originally built for the Public Archives of Canada (1905-1967) and subsequently housing the Canadian War Museum (1967-2005), the building has undergone a revitalization led by the award-winning Canadian firm KPMB Architects. The Centre’s Chairman, His Highness the Aga Khan, has invested $35 million in the rehabilitation of this building to preserve the 20th century heritage features, while transforming it into a modern 21st century institution for Canada and the world. The National Capital Commission designated this building as one of the 2017 Confederation Pavilions to mark Canada’s 150th anniversary. Founded by His Highness the Aga Khan, in partnership with the Government of Canada, the Global Centre for Pluralism is an independent, charitable organization created to advance positive responses to the challenge of living together peacefully and productively in diverse societies. Media Contact Calina Ellwand Manager, Communications and Public Affairs 613-688-0137 [email protected] Building Highlights Connecting to the River The Ottawa River has long been an important meeting place, at first between the Indigenous peoples, and then with the French and English settlers. To connect the building to the historic Ottawa River, a new full height window was designed. The window is angled to resemble a door opening onto the river – and to what lies beyond. Inlaid within the glass is a unique pattern inspired by the trefoil found on the building’s parapets. The copper used in the design recalls the extensive use of copper in the original Dominion Archives building. The original riverfront view of the building. Photographer: KPMB Architects The installation of the bay window in progress. Photographer: Salina Kassam Restoring the Archivist’s Fireplace The Seminar Room occupies the former office of Sir Arthur Doughty, who held the position of Dominion Archivist and Keeper of the Public Records from 1904 to 1935 at 330 Sussex Drive. Archival photographs show that the original fireplace remained intact through the years and various renovations to the space. The brick surrounding the opening and the white oak mantelpiece have been cleaned and repaired. The hearth, once made of wood, has been recreated using slate salvaged from the original treads of the building's main staircase. Dr. Doughty, Dr. Grey and Miss McDonald at the Dominion Archives, circa 1910. Library and Archives Canada/C 011602 Restoration in progress. Photographer: Salina Kassam Gothic Grandeur The original Dominion Archives building, completed in 1906, was designed in an architectural style known as "Tudor-Gothic." Though previous alterations had transformed much of the interior, a number of heritage elements were restored in the 2017 renovation. The main entrance vestibule retains its ornamental plaster Gothic ceiling vault and Tudor arched opening. In the lobby, the largest vault – which once had walls on all sides – has been modified to suspend freely giving a lightness to the space. Photographer: Salina Kassam Photographer: Marc Fowler Original South Façade In 1925, a new wing was added to the Dominion Archives building. At that time, the original exterior wall was covered with plaster, making the connection seamless. During the restoration, the wall was uncovered beneath the plaster, revealing the Nepean sandstone and Gloucester limestone used in the original construction of the building. This newly-revealed façade was left exposed on each floor, offering a glimpse into the building's past lives. Exterior of the Dominion Archives building, circa 1906. Canada. Dept. of Mines & Technical Surveys/Library and Archives Canada/PA-034089 View of 330 Sussex Drive after the addition, circa 1925. Gustave Lanctot/Library and Archives Canada/PA-066863 Photographer: Angela Lim, KPMB Architects Dialogue Centre One of the new event spaces in the building is the Dialogue Centre, a place for people to come together and exchange ideas. The room’s ceiling and walls are adorned with white oak millwork, incorporating the building’s signature trefoil. In this space, and throughout the building, the Centre hosts lectures, expert roundtables and programming about the benefits of building societies around the world that recognize and value diversity. The trefoil on the building’s parapets. Photographer: Marc Fowler The Dialogue Centre in progress. Photographer: Salina Kassam The Dialogue Centre completed. Photographer: Andrea Cardin Algonquin smudging ceremony at the Centre’s first public event by Elder Evelyn Commanda- Dewache. Photographer: Andrea Cardin Urban Garden The Global Centre for Pluralism’s forecourt has been reimagined and transformed from a parking area to an attractive, tranquil urban garden. The selection of plants and their arrangement transform what might have been a conventional institutional landscape into a unique and engaging garden. Careful attention was also given to foliage character, texture, and seasonality of the plants. A primary focus of the plant selection was to offer bloom and fragrance in the garden from early spring well into autumn. Rendering courtesy of KPMB Architects .