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Symbolism: Two Lines - Parallel steel rails that brought the railway to Winnipeg and beyond - uniting Canada from coast-to-coast; two human traits, one good (lightness), one evil (darkness).

Double Helix - The shape that two linear strands of DNA assume when bonded together, the spatial experience of our CMHR proposal.

Concept: Two major, distinct ideas - first, consideration of the site as sacred ground, second, the re-use of the historic CN Station for a portion of the CMHR programme space.

Site Relationship: Construction is restricted to the site's south edge, encouraging direct tie-in to the new Riel Esplanade Bridge. Site excavation is restricted to previously disturbed ground adjacent the river. The site's center is an outdoor circular sundial plaza. Reflecting its traditional use as a meeting place. A new Festival Stage on the south façade ties the facility into the Forks development. The northern-most portion of the site is a forest of trees, or optional youth hostel "tree houses". The design celebrates winter!

Architecture: The new structure - 'The Rising Tower of Hope' - touches the river's edge to the site's east, climbing westward at a continuous 1:12 slope, culminating atop the CN station with the 'Beacon of Hope'. Galleries to the east of the central Great Hall / Entrance Plaza are fortress-like, galleries to the west rise out of the ground and feature a lighter, more inspirational character.

Spatial Organization: The major spines of the facility are the double helix corridor system - and further connote lightness or fame on the up-slope and darkness or shame on the down-slope. All major galleries are contained within the expanded center of each helix. An added bonus to the Great Hall is the CN Station Atrium.

Technical Feasibility: Despite its dynamic form and special outlay, the CMHR consists of building materials and techniques that are easily detailed and quantified. Emphasis is on sustainable, green building methods.

Budget: the proposed re-use of the CN Station for a substantial portion of the functional programme diverts sufficient remaining monies for new building construction.

Clarity: The message is clear. A bold, easy-to-navigate new CMHR facility, one that will serve as a bridge between human suffering and hope define Canada's commitment to human rights

Design Team: Alec Katz (SKA), Gary Andrishak (IBI), Les Stechesen (SKA), Jeremy Sturgess (SA), Chito Pabustan (SA), Damian Surasky (SKA), Anne Cholakis (SKA), Todd White (SKA), Catherine Scanlan (SKA), Jeff Chou (IBI), Sam Lanterman (IBI), Warren Rempel (IBI), Evan Spence (SA)