Political Designs - By Brian Libby EVOQ Architecture: Where Past Meets Present If a new embassy or a presidential library is about presenting a contemporary interpretation of history, restoring the massive Parliament Hill complex in Ottawa might seem like a more straightforward if lengthy challenge. The multibuilding Parliament complex, first constructed in the lead-up to Canada's independence from Great Britain in 1867, is being restored one building at a time in a more than decade-long construction process. At the center of Parliament Hill is the Centre Block (which contains Parliament Hill icons like the Peace Tower, the House of Commons, and the Senate), as well as the West Block and East Block to either side (with administrative offices and meeting spaces). But before work could begin on the Centre Block restoration, the government needed an interim chamber in which House of Commons legislators could still convene and debate the issues of the day during construction. That meant a unique design opportunity and challenge for EVOQ Architecture and its team of collaborators: a grand but temporary House chamber in the oval-shaped central courtyard of the West Block. Historic masonry meets with modern millwork in the glass-enclosed temporary voting chamber at the Parliament Hill complex. (Image: Tom Arban Photography) 30 i+D - January/February 2020