2010 Annual AIBC Architectural Awards

Each year, the Architectural Institute of British Columbia showcases the best in B.C. architecture through its awards program. While honours are given out in a number of distinct award categories, there is one common element: Excellence.

Awards Program Goals

  • To honour excellence in completed architectural projects;
  • To celebrate recent achievements of AIBC member architects and firms;
  • To recognize the role of AIBC members and associates in British Columbia’s
    built environment;
  • To encourage public interest in B.C. architects and architecture; and
  • To promote AIBC members as architectural leaders provincially, nationally and internationally.

Awards Categories

Short-listed entries, award levels and winners are selected by a jury in the following categories*:

The Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Awards in Architecture

The Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Awards in Architecture (“the LGs”), were established to recognize excellence in completed architectural projects led or designed by AIBC members. Firms, clients and lead design architects associated with chosen projects are honoured for their achievements in one of two award levels: Medal or Merit.

Eligibility

For a project to be considered, at least one of the project’s lead design architects must be an AIBC registered architect (MAIBC) active at the time of project completion. AIBC associates and non-members may also be credited as project team members. Projects entered must have been completed between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2009.

Eligibility includes projects that are:

  • Built within B.C. or outside the province;
  • Independent or collaborative;
  • Urban, suburban or rural;
  • Renovation, restoration, addition or new building;
  • Residential, commercial, public or other type of commission; and
  • Small or large, simple or complex.

Projects that have previously won an Annual AIBC Architectural Award are not eligible.

Judging Criteria

Each eligible project submission will be judged individually on how it reflects excellence in architectural design and practice. A reputable, unbiased jury representing the architectural community will consider the overall quality of each submission with consideration given to the following criteria:

  • Theory and Design Principles
  • Program and Client
  • Context and Site
  • Budget and Time Constraints
  • Sustainability Principles

Note: There is no specific weighting for each criterion listed.

AIBC Innovation Award

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

Eligibility

All AIBC members, firms and associates are eligible. Submitted achievements must have been created, designed, published or developed between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2009. Projects completed in any country are eligible. Projects that have previously won an AIBC Innovation Award are not.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be judged on how the project has contributed to, or will contribute to, potential and continuing architectural innovation. The scale of the innovation may range from resource or research materials to a large development, or from a small design feature to a product with the potential for widespread use.

Submissions

Please follow the LG submission process (click here). Use project credit sheet headings as applicable, or adapt them as appropriate for your project.

If you are entering this category in addition to the LGs, no additional entry fee or binder is required. Indicate clearly on the LG project credit sheet that you wish your project to also be considered in the AIBC Innovation Award category.

AIBC Special Jury Awards

The AIBC Special Jury Awards are given for exceptional achievement, selected from all entries and determined by the jury.

AIBC Emerging Firm Award

This award recognizes the development, success and contributions of architectural firms that have been in practice for five years or less. It is given to firms that have shown exemplary promise, a clear vision, and defined goals in the practise of architecture.

Eligibility

Only AIBC-registered firms holding of a Certificate of Practice for no more than five years will be considered eligible. The COP must also be the first held by the owners of the firm.

Judging Criteria

Each eligible submission will be judged individually on how it reflects the characteristics of a strong architectural firm. A reputable, unbiased jury representing the architectural community will review submissions with consideration given to the following criteria:

Exemplary design skills

  • Innovative client services
  • Successful project development and delivery
  • Excellence in work quality
  • Effective communications strategies
  • Creative approaches to sound business and professional development
  • Support of community and the profession
  • Commitment to leadership and excellence

Note: There is no specific weighting for each criterion listed.

 

*If the jury deems that no project is deserving of an award, no award will be given for that category