Following an evaluation from the independent jury panel, Paul Raff Studio and Kengo Kuma & Associates' design #5 selected as the winning conceptual design.
May 13, 2026 Banff, Alberta Parks Canada
Parks Canada, in partnership with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), is pleased to announce the winning conceptual design of the international design competition for a reimagined visitor centre and community space through the 200‑Block Banff Avenue Redevelopment Project in Banff National Park.
The winning submission (Design #5) is from Paul Raff Studio and Kengo Kuma & Associates, bringing together Canadian and international design expertise. The design was recommended by an independent jury assembled by the RAIC following a rigorous and transparent evaluation process. All six submissions were treated equally from beginning to end and assessed against the same criteria, informed by technical review, Indigenous and public feedback, and expert advice throughout the competition.
The jury identified the following strengths in the winning design:
· A strong and credible sustainability approach, ranking highest with the strongest sustainability strategy.
· Important value placed on landscape and architecture, with outdoor public space and connection to nature acknowledged as central to the project and complementary to the indoor space.
· A balanced approach to conservation, heritage, Indigenous perspectives, and visitor experience, representing a true-to-place experience in which Parks Canada's identity is clear.
· Flexibility and resilience offering a concept that is technically feasible while able to be refined without compromising its original intent or spirit.
Parks Canada has been leading the work toward a long‑term vision for the 200‑Block of Banff Avenue for several years. In 2022, Parks Canada received funding to advance conceptual design, initiating detailed site studies and engagement with Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and the public. Feedback clearly identified the redevelopment as a rare opportunity to modernize facilities and public spaces in downtown Banff while strengthening connections between people, place, and national park values.
In response, Parks Canada and the RAIC launched an international design competition in June 2025, beginning with a pre‑qualification phase that resulted in six interdisciplinary teams being invited to submit conceptual designs. These teams brought together world‑class architects, landscape architects, engineers, Indigenous knowledge weavers, and visitor experience specialists.
Public and Indigenous feedback was gathered on the six conceptual designs submitted to Parks Canada throughout the competition and considered alongside technical reviews to inform the jury's final recommendation.
The selected concept does not represent a final design, but rather the strongest foundation from which the project can continue to evolve. Parks Canada looks forward to working with Paul Raff Studio and Kengo Kuma & Associates to further refine the design, guided by continued engagement, environmental review, and Parks Canada's mandate to protect and present places of national significance.
Parks Canada thanks all participating teams, advisors, Indigenous partners, the jury, and community members who contributed to the competition and engaged thoughtfully throughout the process.
