The winners of the 2019 AFBC Architectural Awards were announced at a ceremony held on November 4, 2019. Eight awards were presented in four categories, representing outstanding and exceptional work from the architectural community in British Columbia.

Projects hailed from across the province and around the world – from an art gallery in North Vancouver, to an opera house in Hong Kong, and a place of contemplation in Kootenay Bay. While there was an impressive range of projects, the calibre of each building elevated the built environment in a significant and substantial way.

Debuting this year, the Architecture Foundation of B.C. (AFBC) hosted the awards program, with interim assistance from the Architectural Institute of B.C. (AIBC) who previously ran the program. Transferring the program to the AFBC was made possible given a revitalized relationship between the two organizations whose mandates are separate and distinct.

“Raising awareness of architecture and design is one of the Foundation’s goals, so taking on the Architectural Awards Program was a perfect fit,” said AFBC chair Veronica Gillies. “The recipients awarded at this year’s ceremony certainly speak to excellence in the built environment across the province, as well as abroad.”

The Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Awards in Architecture recognize excellence in completed architectural projects led or designed by AIBC members. Two projects received the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Award in Architecture – Medal:

• Xiqu Centre by Bing Thom Architects Inc. (now Revery Architecture Inc.) and Ronald Lu & Partners Ltd. in Association. (photo above)
• Polygon Gallery by Patkau Architects Inc.

Three projects received the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Awards in Architecture – Merit:

• Edgemont Residence by BattersbyHowat Architects Inc.
• The Hong Kong Jockey Club University of Chicago Academic Complex | The University of Chicago Francis & Rose Yuen Campus in Hong Kong by Bing Thom Architects Inc. (now Revery Architecture Inc.)
• Howard Residence by ABC Architecture Building Culture Inc.

The AFBC 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.

• Temple of Light by Patkau Architects Inc., for advancing construction of complex innovative forms through economical means.

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

• AFBC Special Jury Award to the College of New Caledonia Heavy Mechanical Trades Training Facility by the Office of McFarlane Biggar Architects & Designers Inc. for elevating the design of an industrial academic facility.
• AFBC Special Jury Award to The Duke by Acton Ostry Architects Inc. for incorporating community connection into architectural design.