The Ark, designed in 1974 by founding partners of BGHJ Architects for Canada’s entry in the UN Habitat’s Exposition, was an ecologically designed bioshelter heated and powered by the sun and wind. It was opened by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in September, 1976.

From this early award winning design the firm has continued to design “green” and “off the grid” structures such as a new National Park Day Use Facility shown here.

The new 17,000 m2 Government of Canada Office Building presently under construction and designed to the highest Leed™ standards is to serve as a model of sustainable design for all future Federal Government projects across Canada.