Banff, AB – The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), in partnership with Parks Canada, is pleased to announce the winning conceptual design of the international design competition for a reimagined visitor centre and community space through the 200-Block Banff Avenue Redevelopment Project in Banff National Park.
The winning submission (Design #5) is a joint venture between Kengo Kuma & Associates and Paul Raff Studio, bringing together Canadian and international design expertise. The independent jury selected this design for its strong potential to evolve into a welcoming, resilient, and meaningful public place: one that balances architecture and landscape as equal and integrated components, while respecting the unique ecological, cultural, and heritage context of Banff National Park.
Design #5 was recommended by an independent jury assembled by the RAIC following a rigorous and transparent evaluation process. All six submissions were treated equally from beginning to end and assessed against the same criteria, informed by technical review, Indigenous and public feedback, and expert advice throughout the competition.
“The jury’s decision was unanimous and confident. 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 times” said Mike Brennan, RAIC CEO.
The jury identified the following strengths in the winning design:
- Equal value placed on landscape and architecture, with outdoor public space and connection to nature acknowledged as central to the project and complementary to the indoor space.
- A balanced approach to conservation, heritage, Indigenous perspectives, and visitor experience.
- Flexibility and resilience offering a concept that can be refined without compromising its original intent or spirit
Parks Canada and the RAIC launched an international design competition in June 2025, to develop a new conceptual design for the iconic 200-Block of Banff Avenue in Banff National Park. The process began with a pre-qualification phase that resulted in six interdisciplinary teams being invited to submit conceptual designs. These teams brought together world-class architects, landscape architects, engineers, Indigenous knowledge weavers, and visitor experience specialists.
Public and Indigenous feedback was gathered on the six conceptual designs submitted to Parks Canada throughout the competition and considered alongside technical reviews to inform the jury’s final recommendation.
The selected concept does not represent a final design, but rather the strongest foundation from which the project can continue to evolve. Parks Canada looks forward to working with Kengo Kuma & Associates and Paul Raff Studio to further refine the design, guided by continued engagement, environmental review, and Parks Canada’s mandate to protect and present places of national significance.
The RAIC thanks all participating teams, advisors, Indigenous partners, the jury, and community members who contributed to the competition and engaged thoughtfully throughout the process.
More information about the project is available here.