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The best in recent architectural excellence across the province will be celebrated on May 10 when the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) announces the winners of the AIBC Architectural Awards. The independent, self-governing body — established in 1920 to regulate the profession of architecture on behalf of the public — considered submissions in five categories: Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Award in Architecture, Medal and Merit Levels; Innovation; Emerging Firm; and Special Jury.
A shortlist for the awards was announced at the end of April, with several projects in Greater Vancouver making appearances. The most recognizable recent completion in contention is Trump International Hotel & Tower, designed by Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership and dys architecture. The 63-storey spiralling skyscraper officially opened for business in March.
The University of British Columbia is strongly represented by the DIALOG-designed UBC Campus Energy Centre, a state-of-the-art hot water boiler facility, and the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre by KPMB Architects and HCMA Architecture + Design, which offers university graduates resources to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with the school.
Located along Oak Street since 1948, the renovation and expansion project initiated by Acton Ostry Architects for Congregation Beth Israel has also found a spot on the shortlist. The work involved the retention and repurposing of the existing synagogue for social and educational use. Meanwhile, another major place of worship renewal project garnered attention. Burrard Street's Christ Church Cathedral has been restored to its original glory by Proscenium Architecture and Interiors, who added a bell spire to the northeast corner of the building.
Whistler's Audain Art Museum by Patkau Architects, the Friesen Wong House in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park by D'Arcy Jones Architecture, Kelowna's Queensway Transit Exchange by VIA Architecture, the DCYT Architecture-designed Sneakerbox store at Park Royal West Vancouver Shopping Centre, and the Tsawwassen Beach Home by Frits de Vries Architect are the other shortlisted nominees. Michael Green Architecture and DLR Group have also found themselves on the shortlist with their T3 project in Minneapolis, the first and largest mass timber building constructed in the United States in over one hundred years.
More information about the AIBC and the associated awards program can be found on the official website. What do you think of the shortlist? Let us know by leaving a comment in the field provided below.
