Because Raymond Moriyama,
inset, was born to parents of Japanese origin, he and his family, along
with thousands of other Japanese families, were removed for national security
reasons from their home during World War II, processed through a temporary
camp in Vancouver, and then held in isolation for the remainder of World
War II. Some 20,000 Japanese Canadians were processed similarly and it
was not until 1949 that they were re-enfranchised and could begin rebuilding
their lives. Raymond Moriyama was no exception. Graduating in Architecture
from both the University of Toronto and McGill University, Montreal, Raymond
Moriyama has made giant steps in the world of architecture, generating
an internationally respected reputation since he opened for business, 1958.
Over the next 40 years his firm has created many award-winning projects
such as the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, Toronto; Scarborough Civic
Centre; Science North, Sudbury; Toronto Reference Library; Canadian Embassy,Tokyo;
and, most recently, the Saudi Arabian National Museum, Riyadh. Recipient
of eight honorary degrees and made an Officer, Order of Canada, 1985, Dr.
Raymond Moriyama believes that “Architecture is a backdrop for worthwhile
human activity.” The Saudi Arabian National Museum, below left, the result
of an International Design Competition won by Moriyama & Teshima Architects,
was officially opened, January 22, 1999, by King Fahad to celebrate the
100th anniversary of the unification of Saudi Arabia. [Photos, courtesy
Moriyama & Teshima Architects]