IBI Group, the sixth-largest architecture firm in the world, received several industry awards in the fourth quarter of 2016 for four of its Canadian projects.
In downtown Vancouver, the IBI Group-designed Concord Pacific’s One Pacific won Best Urban High-Rise Residential and the Vancouver Sun’s Reader’s Choice Award at the Pacific Region Urban Development Institute (UDI) Awards for Excellence.
“The 20-storey, 435-suite condominium was conceived as a gateway to Vancouver’s urban core,” said Jeff Christianson, IBI project manager, in a press release. “The site incorporates several public initiatives including dedicated pedestrian and bike lanes, street extension and restricted building height to preserve the mountain view from the Cambie Bridge. With two levels of commercial and retail space at ground level, the south-facing public plaza gives a very striking view of the glazed pool cantilevered above.”
The Salient Group’s Trapp+Holbrook development, located in New Westminster, B.C., won a UDI Award for Excellence in Heritage Design. The former Holbrook Building façade was restored on site, while the Trapp Block frontage, previously a commercial building, was restored off-site and reconstructed. IBI Group was the lead architect on the project, supported by heritage consultant Donald Luxton and Associates Inc.
“The project preserves two historic facades in New Westminster’s historic downtown,” said IBI project manager Lauren Macaulay. “It incorporates 196 residential units and revitalized commercial space at grade.”
In Montreal, IBI’s design of Broccolini’s L’Avenue was awarded an INOVA Award from the Quebec Urban Design Institute for Multi-Use Residential (over $50 million). The 50-storey mixed-use tower will be the tallest residential tower in Montreal and was awarded for bringing about revitalization to the downtown core.
In Toronto, Minto Yorkville Park recently won the Ontario Home Builders’ Award of Distinction for Most Outstanding High-Rise. Standing at 26 storeys, IBI Group’s design concept resulted in a unique, organic, sculptural tower, sitting on a stone base designed to accommodate high-end retail shops and boutiques.
“Our team has been involved from the conceptual design phase and will continue through to the substantial completion of the building’s construction,” said IBI project manager Tom Tsaktsiris. “The design process involved the community, including local business associations, the city councillor and staff.”
