The new Canadian War Museum was built to honour the memory of the many who served and died to protect the freedom of Canada. The museum opened in May 2005, just in time for the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of VE day.
The museum is situated within sight of the Parliament Buildings, on the Breton Flats. The building is comprised of a series of large rooms, each themed to represent a key event in Canada's engagement with war throughout history. Although the majority of the building is constructed as sloped concrete/precast concrete walls, a key focal element of the museum, the Regeneration Hall, is constructed from highly angular square HSS steel sections. The sheer height of the space, as well as the particular style of AESS, is intended to inspire as well as awe the visitor. The eerie sound of the wind, whistling through the perforated steel deck (taped during the construction phase of the project), assists in creating the mood of the room.
The large display room that features both land tanks as well as some WW2 aircraft, is roofed using large span steel trusses. According to the fabricator/erector, Walters Inc. of Hamilton, this room provided greater erection challenges than the Regeneration Hall.
Aerial view of the project showing the green roof that climbs over the building.
The building is set into a landscape that is intended to mimic the battle fields of the Second World War. The green roof is planted with grasses indigenous to the Breton Flats upon which the building is constructed. This landscaping is intended to minimize the environmental impact of the building.
Artist's rendering of the exterior of the museum.
The roof of the museum has been constructed of standing seam copper. It will age and its colour will reflect the roofs of the Canadian Parliamentary complex down the road. The perforations/windows cut into the roof are Morse Code symbols that say, in both French and English, "Lest We Forget".
Rendering of river side view of the War Museum.
For more information about the Museum, including location and hours of operation, please visit:
http://www.warmuseum.ca/ |