“[The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat] is a significant addition to Ottawa's repertoire of diplomatic buildings and puts Canadian architecture firmly on the world stage,” reads the jury statement. “Impressively monumental in scale, the project combines a powerful civic presence with a remarkable level of sophistication. Its integration of traditional Islamic motifs such as specially crafted screens and a lush courtyard garden is choreographed with assurance and sensitivity, bringing the building wonderfully to life as a delicate and sensual piece of architecture, while the quality of materials and detailing is outstanding.”

Designed by Maki and Associates of Tokyo and Toronto-based Moriyama & Teshima Architects, the Delegation building was inaugurated in December 2008 by Mawlana Hazar Imam and Prime Minister Stephen Harper during Hazar Imam's Golden Jubilee visit to Canada.

The building is situated along Sussex Drive in the heart of Ottawa's diplomatic district, reflecting the Ismaili Imamat's continuing aspirations towards building peace, enhancing pluralism and promoting international dialogue. The Delegation provides “another platform for strengthening and extending our relationship,” said Mawlana Hazar Imam at the opening ceremony. “It will be a site for robust dialogue, intellectual exchange, and the forging of new partnerships – with government, and with the institutions of civil society and the private sector of Canada and so many other countries.”

Twelve projects were named as recipients of this year's medals, including cultural and civic endeavours, as well as a habitat project that seeks to ameliorate the quality of life for First Nations communities. In a statement accompanying the announcement of the award, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada said: "The recipients of the Governor General's Medals in Architecture have distinguished themselves as visionary Canadian architects. They have designed spaces where communities are forged, memories are enshrined and identity is created in built form.”