Dialog partner Martin Nielsen has been awarded the 2022 Dean’s Medal of Distinction from the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Presented during the 2022 Applied Sciences Celebration, eight esteemed members of the Faculty of Applied Sciences community were honoured for their unwavering contributions in their respective fields, in service to the betterment of broader society.

As a double Applied Science alumnus and member of both UBC Engineering and the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture communities, Nielsen was bestowed this high honour in recognition of his ongoing commitment to creating innovative and sustainable design solutions for the many challenges facing our world today. His work as a registered architect and mechanical engineer transcends disciplines to achieve socially, economically, and environmentally responsible outcomes, building upon an award-winning portfolio of work.

This includes the LEED Gold certified Campus Energy Centre at UBC and the new Exchange Residence and UBC Bus Exchange. He was also lead on Heather Lands, an urban design and rezoning project of a 21-acre site, centrally located in Vancouver, on unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh Nations (MST). The project is rooted in the processes of reconciliation and is an unprecedented joint venture partnership between Canada Lands Company and the MST Development Corporation.

In addition to his project work, he has served as chair of the UBC Advisory Urban Design Panel and as a member of the UBC Land Use Committee. He is currently a board member of Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver and the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) and has served as chair on the City of Vancouver Urban Design Panel.