The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) has named Pat Hanson, founding principal of gh3*, as the recipient of the prestigious 2026 RAIC Gold Medal. The Gold Medal represents the Institute’s highest honour, recognizing individuals whose work has made a significant and lasting contribution to Canadian architecture.

Pat Hanson’s career reflects a sustained commitment to design excellence, environmental responsibility, and civic engagement. Through gh3*, she has pioneered an integrated design approach that seamlessly connects architecture, landscape, infrastructure, and urbanism. Her work challenges conventional boundaries, positioning infrastructure as an opportunity for architectural innovation and public benefit.

Over the course of her career, Hanson has received five Governor General’s Medals, underscoring the national significance of her contributions. Her portfolio stands out for its focus on typologies often overlooked by mainstream architectural practices—particularly infrastructure projects. These include water treatment facilities, stormwater management systems, fire stations, bus garages, and public park pavilions. By elevating these essential but typically utilitarian structures, Hanson has transformed them into civic landmarks that enhance both function and community identity.

One of Hanson’s most celebrated projects is Edmonton’s Borden Park Natural Swimming Pool—the first chemical-free public outdoor swimming pool in Canada. This innovative project integrates advanced ecological engineering with architectural clarity and social generosity. The result is a highly functional public amenity that balances environmental sustainability with exceptional user experience. The project exemplifies Hanson’s ability to merge technical precision with architectural beauty, redefining the role of infrastructure in public space.

Beyond her built work, Hanson’s leadership extends into mentorship, education, and professional advocacy. She has played an influential role in shaping contemporary architectural discourse in Canada, supporting emerging professionals and advancing ethical, environmentally responsible design practices.

The 2026 RAIC Gold Medal affirms Hanson’s enduring impact on Canadian architecture. Her body of work demonstrates how infrastructure—when approached with imagination, technical rigor, and civic purpose—can contribute meaningfully to both environmental performance and community life. As Canada’s built environment continues to evolve in response to climate change and urban growth, Hanson’s legacy offers a compelling model for integrating sustainability, resilience, and architectural excellence.

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