Patkau Architects, D'Arcy Jones among 2017 AIBC Architectural Award winners

Without a doubt, there are plenty of talented architects throughout Canada. Some of those designers were recognized in the Architectural Institute of British Columbia's 2017 Architectural Awards, which distinguishes design excellence within the AIBC community.

Out of 46 submissions, seven awards in three categories were presented during the 2017 Architectural Awards in Vancouver on May 10. Some of the winning firms include Patkau Architects, D'Arcy Jones Architecture, and Frits de Vries Architect, among others. Have a look at the winners below.

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:

Audain Art Museum by Patkau Architects Inc. 

Project description: “The Audain Art Museum is a 56,000 sq. ft. private museum located in Whistler, British Columbia. The deliberately restrained form and character of the building provides a quiet, minimal backdrop to the art within and the surrounding natural landscape.”

Friesen Wong House by D'Arcy Jones Architecture Inc.

Project description: “The Friesen Wong House is situated on a rocky knoll, amid the treed and free-flowing topography of the Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. The house takes a dual relationship to the rocky site: a cantilevered terrace is at one moment level with the existing rock and then, a few steps away, soaring above it. 

2017 AIBC Emerging Firm Award recipient: D'Arcy Jones Architecture

This award recognizes firms that have shown “exemplary promise, clear vision, and defined goals in architectural practice. It also celebrates newly established firms that have embraced broader, modern types of practice reflecting the changing nature of the profession.”

Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Awards in Architecture – Merit recipients:

UBC Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre by KPMB Architects in joint venture with HCMA Architecture + Design Inc. 

Project description: “The Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre is more than just a building. Dedicated to UBC’s alumni, it’s a campus ‘home for life’ and offers the resources to support an ongoing and mutually beneficial relationship with the University.”

Tsawwassen Beach Home by Frits de Vries Architect Ltd.

Project description: “Located on the beachfront in Tsawwassen, B.C., this compact two-story home blurs the boundary between its contemporary interior and the natural beachfront. The efficient and open plan is designed with a focus on ocean views, while affording protection from strong winds and providing considerable privacy within.”

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

The recipients are:

Christ Church Cathedral Restoration and Renewal by Proscenium Architecture and Interiors, Inc. - awarded for the long term stewardship of a significant heritage resource and seismic upgrading technology.

Project description: “The crowning feature of the current project is the addition of the highly-anticipated bell spire at the northeast corner of the Cathedral. The bell spire bridges the aesthetic gap between the Cathedral and its modern accessibility addition. Phase 1 of this work was completed in joint venture with Iredale Group Architecture.”

Sneakerbox by DCYT Architecture - awarded for providing creativity and value through design approach.

Project description: “Located inside Park Royal West Vancouver Shopping Centre, Sneakerbox is a 1,100 sq. ft. trendy sneakers retail store. Wood pallet in its raw form and geometry is the architect’s tool to relate the design of this unique interior to the ever-growing generation of high fashion but rules- defying sneaker followers.”

Images courtesy of AIBC Architectural Awards.