The World Exchange Plaza (WEP) in downtown Ottawa exemplifies the transformative potential of landscape architecture, merging environmental sustainability with innovative design to create a dynamic and engaging public space. The project stands out for its commitment to ecological stewardship, design excellence, and its positive social impact.

WEP’s design, centered around the concept of “Re-wilding Ottawa,” integrates nature into the urban environment in a way that enhances both ecological value and visual appeal. A significant innovation of this design is the use of the Dynamic Carbon Model (DCM), a cutting-edge technology that optimizes design decisions for carbon neutrality. The DCM guided our designers in the selection of materials and planting species to achieve carbon neutrality, ensuring sustainability in both the short and long term. This approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also positions the plaza to achieve carbon positivity over time, exemplifying the project’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility. In addition, WEP features twenty-five plant species, 88% of which are native to Ontario, contributing to local biodiversity, enhancing microclimates, and attracting pollinators. This thoughtful plant selection not only enhances the visual quality of the space but also helps mitigate the urban heat island effect, demonstrating a deep understanding of the importance of biodiversity in our cities. The coniferous species, not typically used in urban landscapes, symbolize the resilience of Canada’s wilderness and reinforces the project’s deep connection to the country’s natural heritage.

A key aspect of the project’s sustainability-driven design lies in its use of mass timber, positioning WEP as one of Ontario’s first mass-timber public structures. The elevated mass-timber boardwalk and viewing platform create a unique interaction with both the natural and urban environment. On one side, planting beds invite nature interaction, while the other offers a vibrant, flexible space for people, entertainment, and commerce. The elevated design of the boardwalk created an opportunity to incorporate retail spaces on the ground level in addition to the performance stage. The boardwalk provides a natural contrast to the surrounding urban landscape, bringing a biophillia experience to downtown Ottawa.

The World Exchange Plaza integrates community engagement, placemaking, and economic activation into a cohesive design. It honors its history through engraved plaques on the amphitheater steps, reflecting the site’s historical context while incorporating input from local communities to foster deeper connections, inclusivity, and shared experiences. At its core, the amphitheater serves as a central landmark and vibrant destination in downtown Ottawa, with a distinctive microclimate shade structure and lush tree canopy creating a purposeful urban retreat amid surrounding office buildings, while also supporting economic activity and dynamic programming.

In the post-pandemic urban context, WEP’s adaptable design plays a crucial role in rebuilding and strengthening community ties. Itaccommodates both casual and large-scale gatherings, supporting health, well-being, and social inclusivity. More than just a space, WEP acts as a catalyst for downtown Ottawa’s revitalization, fostering meaningful connections among residents, office workers, and visitors alike. Its versatility, from intimate coffee breaks to vibrant concert venues, ensures its enduring significance as a dynamic, transformative public space—one that will continue to evolve and serve the community for years to come.

Client: QuadReal Property Group; Paula Partner

Contractor: UCC Group Inc; Beth McDonald

Lead Designer: Arcadis; Neno Kovacevic

Project Manager: Luciano and Salvatore; Dario Pellizzari

Executive Architect: Chmiel Architects; Elaine Yee, Elaheh Aghazamani, & Richard A Chmiel

Landscape Architect: Arcadis; Leonardo Garcia & Qiwei Song

Landscape Architectural Technologist: Arcadis; Aaron Hamak

Structural: Entuitive; David Fox

Mechanical: Smith and Andersen; Junxiang Guan

Electrical: Smith and Andersen; Andre Drouin & Chahak Raval

Technician: Arcadis; Bo Lu

Ecologist Specialist: Arcadis; Christina Pilz

Irrigation Designer: Arcadis; Maria Kokkinaki

Waterproofing: Arcadis; Troy Whalen & Bernie Duquette

Geotechnical: Arcadis; Troy Austrins

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