Four design and development projects in Richmond, along with three honourable mentions, were recognized for urban design excellence during Monday's council meeting.
The Lulu Awards are presented every four years by the city and recognize "vision and excellence" in architecture, streetscapes and built landscapes in the city. Eligible projects include residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, open spaces, public utilities and recreational projects.
The four winners are as follows:
Residential and mixed-use, mid-rise urban design: The Roderick
The mixed-use building was developed by Platform Properties Ltd., and designed by ZGF Architects Inc. and Perry and Associates. Located in Richmond’s Steveston Village at 12088 Third Ave., the building is a reflection of the area's heritage with a contemporary twist. "The building frontage along Third Avenue, Chatham Street and Moncton Street is animated with pedestrian-oriented commercial uses," reads the media release.
Residential and mixed use, high-rise urban design: 2 River Green
The mixed-use building is located in the Oval Village and was developed by ASPAC Developments Ltd., and designed by James K. M. Cheng Architects Inc., IBI Group Inc. and PFS Studio. The building has two 13-storey and one low-rise with 284 residential units in total, and has a grand residential entry court as well as a welcoming public plaza.
Public and institutional open space urban design: Steveston Nikkei Memorial
The memorial was designed by Hapa Collaborative and is located at 4011 Moncton Street in Steveston. It commemorates the 75th anniversary of the evacuation, relocation, and internment of 2,500 Japanese Canadians from the area during World War II, and celebrates the rebuilding of the Steveston community following their return from internment.
"This public open space design narrates an important story, with care and creativity," reads the media release.
Landscape Innovation urban design: Harrington Court
The townhouse development was developed by Western Maple Lane Holdings Ltd., and designed by Fougere Architecture and ITO & Associates Inc. It has 15 homes and is located in Blundell at 6028 Maple Road. The design preserves the line of mature trees of No. 2 Road and is "a successful contribution to maintaining the neighbourhood and streetscape defining character, while also creating intimate private spaces for the residents," reads the media release.
Three projects also received honourable mentions on Monday evening:
Residential and mixed use, high-rise urban design: Paramount
The residential and mixed-use, high-rise in Brighouse Village on No. 3 Rd was developed by Keltic Canada Development, and designed by GBL Architects and PWL Partnership Landscape Architects Inc. The design integrates public art with architecture and "establishes a landmark and a sense of place at a significant corner of the City Centre."
Residential and mixed use, high-rise urban design: River Green Lot 9
The residential and mixed-use high-rise in the Oval Village on Pearson Way was developed by ASPAC Developments Ltd., IBI Group and PFS Studio. The buildings are designed in a "stepped-down" manner, which engages with the waterfront and connects with the surroundings. Sidewalks are also included which offer "accessibility and sense of connectivity to the neighbourhood."
Commercial urban design: Minato Village
The commercial development in Steveston was developed by G&B Estates and West Coast Projects, and designed by Urban Design Group Architects and ETA Landscape Architecture. The design integrates the area's heritage and "incorporates shade structures in between buildings to create well-held street edges and stormwater management strategies in the surface parking lot."
“Well-planned urban design is the hallmark of livable communities, adding to the vibrancy and appeal of our city,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
“Many viable projects were submitted and we thank all the talented people involved and the jury panel. It is always a pleasure to present these awards celebrating and inspiring the vision and dedication to Richmond’s urban design.”
To learn more about the Lulu Awards and winners over the years, visit richmond.ca/luluawards.
