[5][4] The centre's building is to be located on 555 Albert street with views onto the neighbouring Chaudière Falls while “bridging the boundary of town and crown” and has been described as “a natural extension of Ottawa’s traditional downtown”.

In the beginning of the project's life there already existed a mandate that demanded at minimum a LEED Gold rating but through an iterative design process the standard has been elevated to a goal of Net-Zero.

This dedication to moving towards a more sustainable city can be seen additionally, by the federal government's renewing of the Cliff Plant facility that is aiming to provide carbon-free energy for the surrounding area.

[7] By being supplied hot and cold water from this plant, which in turn is to power the air-conditioning and heating systems, this building may become a benchmark of what civic centres are to strive toward from an environmental standpoint.

[7] The form of the OPL and LAC Joint Facility is such that it follows the adjacent landscape's undulations evidently seen in the roof's shape which mimics the flow of the Ottawa River.

The second-level houses a children's discovery and outdoor space that intends to stimulate imagination and engage all the domains of early childhood development by balancing educative and free play inside and outside the building.

On the second floor these connectors bring together the discovery space and the well-anticipated joint genealogy research room, which combines a vast collection from the two partners.

The roof top café has been noted as a key feature, based on its Northern view of the Ottawa River, Chaudière Falls and Parliament hill.

[18][17] The beginning stages of the design process included visits to local First Nation communities as the first method of outreach, namely Kitigan Zibi and Pikwakanagan.

It was in these preliminary stages that a crucial design element was expressed by the community, ensuring that the interior atrium space was not “white and sterile” but rather “warm and inviting”.

The remaining façade consists of limestone, creating a connection to the adjacent escarpment, and glass curtain walls mainly on the upper floors to allow for daylighting.

The goal of these meetings was to “foster friendship, build trust and ensure mutual benefits, while respecting cultural practices and traditional Indigenous knowledge”.

Through the eastern entrance on Albert street is a plaque that features a wayfinding wheel and animals of significance to the Algonquin community, for which local indigenous artist Simon Brascopé has been commissioned.

[20] Additionally, the LRT (light rail transit) has recently added Pimisi Station located 300 metres away, creating a quick connection to the new centre.

This network of diverse transport systems is in line with the city's movement towards a greener way of living for all residents of Ottawa and also connects to the NCC's (National Capital Commission’s) plans to develop other parts of the LeBreton Flats area.

[7] This highlights the importance of architecture outside of places of residence that can be used safely and comfortably to house activity but still adapt to the ever-changing battlefield that the COVID-19 pandemic has created.