Formerly, the Plaza was exposed to extremes of summer sun and heat, and winter wind and cold. In addition to pedestrian discomfort, lack of protection against climatic extremes increased stress levels in the plants of the adjacent thematic gardens. The absence of significant features and amenities was another shortcoming that kept the Plaza bereft of visitors. The Urban Prairie grassland insertion creates microclimates, increases urban biodiversity, reduces heat island effect, contributes to air quality improvement, alters the scale of the Plaza towards one that is more human (without compromising pre-existing views such as the famous view framed by the two wings of the museum to the Peace Tower of the Parliament buildings across the Ottawa River) and enhances visual interest across all seasons.