A SPECIAL FEATURE ON THE WINNERS
2014 project winners celebrate contributions to urban living
World- famous architect Sir Norman Foster, whose firm designed New York’s new World Trade Center, was recently asked why architecture and design are important in today’s world.
“The way we build is a reflection of the way we live,’’ he said. “At its most noble, architecture is the embodiment of our civic values.”
His words capture the spirit of the Urban Development Institute’s 2014 Awards for Excellence, bestowed recently for the best and brightest design concepts of new buildings that have been built — or rebuilt — in the institute’s Pacific Region. Foster’s own firm, the London- based Foster and Partners, was recognized by the Institute in 2012, when a building it designed — Jameson House in Vancouver — won a UDI Pacific Region award.
“The UDI Awards are the premier form of peer recognition for B. C.’ s real estate development industry,” said Anne McMullin, institute president and CEO. “This year’s record number of exceptional submissions had the jury deliberating at length to identify the top achievers for each category.”
The winning projects and their development teams were considered on a number of criteria, including sustainable building and landscape features, innovative design, marketing success, as well as integration with transit and community context.
More than 700 people attended the black tie gala on Nov. 26, which celebrated achievements in categories including Best Heritage, Best Affordable, Best Urban Infill and Best in Show among the honours. Four distinguished industry leaders — Keith Beedie, Milan Ilich, Robert H. Lee and Joe Segal — were inducted into the UDI Hall of Fame.
Beau Jarvis of Wesgroup Properties was given the Maureen Enser Award, which honours an individual under 40 years of age for demonstrating leadership, vision and significant contributions in the last two years.
As well, more than 8,600 readers cast their votes in The UDI/ Vancouver Sun Readers‘ Choice Award, choosing Delta Land Development’s Private Residences at the Hotel Georgia as the Best Residential Highrise.
This year’s record number of exceptional submissions had the jury deliberating at length...” ANNE MCMULLIN UDI PRESIDENT AND CEO
“These prestigious awards recognize the outstanding contributions of developers who help shape our vibrant, livable communities,” McMullin said.
The Urban Development Institute is a national non- profit association ( with international affiliations) of the development industry and its related professions that is non- partisan in its activities. With over 650 corporate members, UDI Pacific represents thousands of individuals involved in all facets of land development and planning, including developers, property managers, financial lenders, lawyers, engineers, planners, architects, appraisers, real estate professionals, local governments and government agencies.
Since 1972, the Pacific Region has been dedicated to fostering effective communication between the industry, government and the public. It aims to improve both housing and job opportunities for all British Columbians. UDI Pacific also serves as the public voice of the real estate development industry.