At the core of many cities, museums contribute to both physical and social landscapes, opening up a world of culture and immersing the community in education, research and a deeper understanding of society. From a socio-economic standpoint, the rejuvenation and construction of museums can stimulate urban regeneration and bring new life into areas losing traditional economic base.

When it came time to renovate the nearly 50-year-old building that houses the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa—home to the largest collection of scientific and technological artifacts in Canada—designing the exterior architecture was as important as creating an interactive experience on the interior. The 80,000 square-foot exhibition space needed an impressive façade to represent the world-class experience contained within.