"Parks Canada, the federal agency responsible for protecting and managing Canada's natural and cultural heritage, announced the winning design for a reimagined visitor centre and community space in Banff National Park. The competition was organized in partnership with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) as part of the 200-Block Banff Avenue Redevelopment Project. The proposal by Paul Raff Studio and Kengo Kuma & Associates was selected from a shortlist of five pre-qualified teams that also included EVOQ + Ryder, KPMB Architects, Revery Architecture, and Stantec Architecture."
"An independent jury assembled by the RAIC selected the design for its approach to landscape, sustainability principles, and its balance between conservation, heritage, Indigenous perspectives, and visitor experience, among other considerations. Parks Canada secured funding in 2022 to support a long-term vision for the 200-block of Banff Avenue, intended to advance conceptual design work and initiate detailed site studies, as well as engagement with Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and the public."
"The design competition was first announced by Parks Canada in June 2025, beginning with a pre-qualification phase for design teams. The institution received 44 complete submissions, from which six multidisciplinary teams were selected to advance to the competition stage. The proposals then underwent public consultation and technical review before the jury recommended its selected design to Parks Canada."
Parks Canada announced the winning design for a reimagined visitor centre and community space in Banff National Park on May 13, 2026. The competition was organized with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada as part of the 200-Block Banff Avenue Redevelopment Project. The selected proposal by Paul Raff Studio and Kengo Kuma & Associates was chosen from five pre-qualified teams after public consultation and technical review. Parks Canada had secured funding in 2022 to advance a long-term vision for the 200-block, including conceptual design, detailed site studies, and engagement with Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and the public. Feedback supported modernizing downtown Banff facilities and public spaces. An independent RAIC jury selected the design for its landscape approach, sustainability principles, and balance among conservation, heritage, Indigenous perspectives, and visitor experience.
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