From private residences to public buildings, 13 projects featuring community involvement are celebrated at the 2018 AIBC Architectural Awards

The Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) has announced the winners of the 2018 Architectural Awards. Recognizing design excellence within the AIBC community, thirteen awards were presented across five categories. The winning structures range from a state-of-the-art hot water boiler facility at UBC to a dynamic community centre in Invermere, British Columbia. But, one common theme connecting all of the projects where their ability to enrich the communities in which they are situated while elevating the built environment. 

The Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Awards in Architecture recognize excellence in completed architectural projects led or designed by AIBC members. 

The Medal recipients are:

UBC Aquatic Centre by MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects Ltd. and Acton Ostry Architects Inc.

Project description: "The UBC Aquatic Centre is a high-performance training and competition venue, as well as a community aquatic centre in the University Endowment Lands. The training facility is designed to LEED Gold standards and integrates daylighting, innovative water re-use and air quality strategies."

Okada Marshall House by D'Arcy Jones Architecture Inc.

Project description: "The Okada Marshall House is an ambitiously formed wood structure utilizing the shou-sugi ban technique in Sooke, B.C. The dynamic angles and spatial variety seamlessly integrate the building into its natural surroundings. All of the windows and doors point toward either the rocky landscape or Pacific Ocean, creating lively contrasts as one moves through the house."

Columbia Valley Centre by Shape Architecture Inc. in joint venture with Hindle Architects

Project description: "The Columbia Valley Centre is a multi-use facility in the city of Invermere, B.C. Featuring a community hall and village library, the astute design of the building fulfils both the needs of the community, while also accommodating large public events."

The Merit recipients are:

Langara College Science and Technology Building by Proscenium Architecture and Interiors Inc. in association with Teeple Architects Inc.

Project description: "The Langara College Science and Technology Building creates a gateway into the College’s main campus while establishing a home for its science programs and student services. The spatial experience is defined by visual and physical interconnectivity, designed to draw students together in a collaborative environment."

University of British Columbia Campus Energy Centre by DIALOG BC Architecture Engineering Interior Design Planning Inc.

Project description: "The University of British Columbia’s Campus Energy Centre is a state-of-the-art hot water boiler facility that provides the heating requirements for the campus. The selective use of different panel types enlivens the building’s simple volume by the play of light across and through the shroud."

South Surrey Operations Centre by Carscadden Stokes McDonald Architects Inc.

Project description: "The South Surrey Operations Centre is a municipal building which blends city operations into the surrounding neighborhood. A strategy of nesting was undertaken to integrate the Centre into the area, through protecting existing trees and undergrowth, as well as creating a new wildlife corridor."

The AIBC Emerging Firm Award recognizes newly-established firms that have shown exemplary promise, clear vision, and defined goals in the practice of architecture.

The 2018 AIBC Emerging Firm Award recipient: Leckie Studio Architecture + Design Inc.

"Leckie Studio Architecture + Design Inc. is an interdisciplinary design studio based in Vancouver, Canada. Their work has been nothing short of impressive since being founded in 2015. They have experienced impressive growth over a short period of time, and have produced a varied and exceptional collection of architectural and interior projects. Their designs are heavily informed by sustainability and collaboration. Not only does the firm have strong values and commitment to architecture, but also to the greater design community."

The AIBC Innovation Award recognizes achievements that are not strictly ‘architectural,’ but that have a direct bearing on the future of architecture in areas such as design, building technology, use of materials and sustainability. 

The 2018 recipients are:

Sechelt Water Resource Centre by WMW Public: Architecture + Communication Inc. for processes innovation and community education.

Project description: "The Sechelt Water Resource Centre rethinks traditional municipal wastewater treatment by creating a transparent space in the residential heart of Sechelt. The facility features mechanical and biological systems that clean wastewater, encouraging the public to witness their role in the hydrological cycle."

UBC Quantum Matter Institute by WMW Public: Architecture + Communication Inc. for creative use of common material.

Project description: "The UBC Quantum Matter Institute creates a new portal to UBC’s Applied Science Precinct and serves as a new formal entrance to the Advanced Materials and Process Engineering Laboratory. Fostering collaboration, both the building’s layout and materials echo the very lattice structures that are under study."

Brock Commons Tallwood House by Acton Ostry Architects Inc. for innovation and sustainability of mass wood construction.

Project description: "Brock Commons Tallwood House is the tallest contemporary mass wood tower in the world. A “keep it simple” design approach was used, featuring encapsulation of the mass wood structure. Erected in only 66 days, the project’s speed, environmental benefits and cost effectiveness make it a model for future mass wood structures."

AIBC Special Jury Award given for exceptional achievement, selected from all awards submissions and determined by the jury. 

The recipients are:

Swallowfield Barn by Asher deGroot Architect Inc. (now MOTIV Architects Inc.) for community engagement. 

Project description: "Located in Langley, B.C., Swallowfield Barn used design and construction to build a sense of community within the rural area in which it resides. In the manner of traditional barn raising, the local community was involved in the creation of the structure, from the ground up. Built to last, the barn combines functionality and beauty, featuring a striking, off-kilter, roof profile that creates a warm and inviting entrance."

The Dock Building by Michael Green Architecture Inc. for exceptional design clarity.

Project description: "The Dock Building, located on Jericho Beach in Vancouver, serves a large marina of sailboats. The project’s practical working needs, modest budget, and prominent siting required a simple solution that honoured the cannery and industrial heritage of waterfront buildings that were once found on the site a half-century before."

Crosstown Elementary School by Francl Architecture Inc. for overcoming substantive obstacles to create profound social-environmental impact.

Project description: "Located in the core of downtown Vancouver, Crosstown Elementary School is a four-storey structure for 510 K-7 children, neighbouring a public park. The design responds directly to a shift in the delivery of education in Vancouver by fitting a non-traditional building within the urban fabric of the city."