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Kongats Architects, KESKUS architect, wins prestigious Governor General’s Medal in Architecture …for the fourth time!

Updated: Oct 7

Update #219

Women in Estonian folk costume
King City Seniors' Centre and Public Library, by Kongats Architects is one of twelve honoured projects. (photo: Riley Snelling)

Kongats Architects, the brilliant minds behind KESKUS International Estonian Centre, have again been honoured with the prestigious Governor General’s Medal in Architecture.

 

This recognition comes from the esteemed Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) and the Canada Council for the Arts, and is awarded biannually to celebrate outstanding design in recent architectural projects across the country.

 

The Governor General’s Medals in Architecture, highlight exceptional design in completed projects of any size, type, and location by Canadian architects. Continuing a tradition that began with the Massey Medals in 1950, these awards provide a profound understanding of the nature of Canadian architecture, reflecting the regional, cultural, and historic forces within our built environment. This year, the 12 winning projects span a diverse array of building types and sizes, including residential homes, public libraries, theatres, and community centres, showcasing exemplary approaches to sustainability, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

 

Kongats Architects' King City Public Library and Seniors Centre in King City, Ontario, is among the 2024 recipients. The project exemplifies Kongats Architects’ commitment to innovative and community-focused design and underscores the significant impact of the work of Alar Kongats and his team, on Canadian architecture.


Man wearing hard hat posing
Alar Kongats

Moreover, this is Alar Kongats’ fourth Governor General Medal in Architecture, having been previously been awarded for:

2002, Centennial College, Student Centre

2012, Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex

2014, Centennial College Athletic and Wellness Centre

 

Jason Robbins, FRAIC, President of RAIC, praised this year’s awardees, stating, “The Governor General’s Medals in Architecture celebrate and commemorate projects and architects that embrace and exceed the highest standards of the profession. This year’s recipients continue a long-standing tradition of design excellence, making a significant impact across all aspects of our lives. The awarded projects demonstrate exceptional careful consideration of people, place, and purpose, and further contribute to the growing Canadian culture of design.  […] Each and every project shows how architecture can be a positive force that is inclusive, sustainable, and capable of change in individual lives and communities. Your dedication to design excellence creates a better world for all.”

 

Michelle Chawla, Director and CEO of the Canada Council for the Arts, said, “My heartfelt congratulations to all those involved in the 12 remarkable projects that have been selected to receive the 2024 Governor General’s Medals in Architecture. Each of the architectural teams from across the country that is being recognized deserves our thanks and appreciation for their exciting and exceptional works, as well as for their unique contributions to the architectural landscape of Canada.”


As we eagerly anticipate completion of KESKUS International Estonian Centre, we celebrate Kongats Architects' continued success and dedication to excellence in design.

Congratulations to Alar Kongats and the Kongats Architects team for their well-deserved recognition and thanks for making a lasting impact on the architectural landscape of Canada.  The KESKUS International Estonian Centre project is fortunate to have your vision and dedication!


Artists rendering of Estonian cultural centre in construction
Design of KESKUS International Estonian Centre, by Kongats Architects
 

All KESKUS valued donors make a critical difference


Please join our growing list of capital campaign donors. The KESKUS International Estonian Centre’s donor categories are Kalevipoja laud for gifts over $100,000 (including naming rights for specific areas), Koidula gild, which is from $50,000-99,999, Viru vanemad for gifts of $10,000-$49,999, and Kungla rahvas for gifts up to $10,000.


To make a donation, please call +1.647.250.7136 or email donations@estoniancentre.ca. Donations may be made as a family gift, or in honour of an individual or family. All Canadian, Estonian and U.S. donations will be issued a tax receipt. KESKUS leadership donors are recognized here.


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