Raymond Moriyama
"An architect is not the sun around which the universe revolves ... but rather a moon that reflects light. An architect receives inspiration … and reflects a light that is suggestive, humane and deeply felt." –Raymond Moriyama
As a young architect, Raymond Moriyama decided to submit a proposal to build the Scarborough Civic Centre, incorporating the board of education and the city hall. At that point in his emerging career, he did not have an extensive portfolio. “I had no slides to show them,” he recalls, “nothing compared to the big-name architects of the day.” What he did instead was to speak to the selection committee about democratic values, about how public places and spaces needed to take account of the citizens who use them, be open and accessible, and inspire and encourage democratic participation and civic engagement. This approach would mark Moriyama's entire career.
Raymond Moriyama was nominated by John Hobbs, executive director, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, Ottawa.