March 19, 2026

Carmen Corbasson Community Centre and the transformation of the Ron W. Ianni Building at the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law for the 2026 Ontario Association of Architects’ (OAA) Design Excellence Awards.

Selected from 96 eligible submissions, these projects are among 20 finalists recognized for their transformative impact on the communities they serve—enriching human experience while demonstrating a deep respect for the environment. The Jury’s evaluation criteria are based on creativity, context, sustainability, good design/good business, and legacy.

While they both serve different purposes, each design creates a sense of place through thoughtful intervention. 

Designed as a “pavilion in the forest,” the Carmen Corbasson Community Centre strengthens its relationship to its woodland surroundings through a simple rectangular mass timber structure, introducing transparency and framing nature as an active participant in daily recreation. The 45,000-square-foot expansion integrates a natatorium, fitness centre, and aerobics studio with the existing arena and gymnasium complex. Unifying multiple construction eras, the project extends the original building’s architectural logic while resolving circulation and accessibility challenges and drawing daylight deep into the interior. The result is a design that expands programming opportunities while renewing the Centre’s role as a vibrant community hub.

At the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law, the transformation of the Ron W. Ianni Building reimagines a much-loved but outdated brutalist facility as a light-filled and interconnected academic crossroads. Previously enclosed interior spaces have been opened to create a dynamic learning environment of flexible, collaborative teaching spaces that support evolving pedagogies while improving accessibility and circulation. The removal of interior partitions, together with new openings in the exterior envelope, introduces abundant natural light into areas that were previously windowless and artificially lit. These interventions have transformed the interior experience and strengthened the building’s relationship to the broader campus.

The Ontario Association of Architects regulates the practice of architecture in the province to protect the public interest. Its biennial Design Excellence Awards program offers Ontario practices the opportunity to display the transformative influence of architecture, promoting broader public recognition and appreciation for its positive impact.

The ten winners will be announced in April 2026.
Read more about the awards and finalists here.