Photo © Michael Elkan

The False Creek Energy Centre, designed by Walter Francl Architecture and Pechet and Robb art and architecture, won a Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Award in Architecture medal.

Historic preservation and innovation were among the winning projects for the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) 2010 awards.

A total of 11 awards were given out to B.C. architectural leaders, with top honours going to Alhambra+Garage+Cordage+Grand+Terminus, a project by Acton Ostry Architects. It was recognized for its creative re-imagining and extensive rehabilitation of five historic buildings. Sharing accolades for the False Creek Energy Centre were Walter Francl Architecture and Pechet and Robb art and architecture, who also won a Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Award in Architecture medal.

"The False Creek Energy project demonstrated rigour in its execution. It strived to be part of a green solution, but also expressed a unique sense of humor and joy through the raked vents with colour-coded light-emitting diodes (LEDs)," said Bruce Carscadden, jury chair. "The Alhambra project is, by contrast, very serious and distinguishes itself with a masterful resolution of multiple complex problems, including heritage preservation, adaptive reuse, authorities and urban planning issues, and seismic upgrading."

This year's program had 72 submissions, ranging from small residences and boutiques to multi-faceted educational facilities and community centres.

Other award winners included:
• Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Award in Architecture merit—Mountain View Cemetery, Birmingham & Wood;
• 2010 AIBC Innovation Award—Xthum, WMW Public: Architecture+Communication;
• 2010 AIBC Special Jury Award—Lynn Steven Boutique, mcfarlane green biggar Architecture+Design; and
• AIBC Emerging Firm Award—Matthew Soules Architecture.

For more information about the awards, visit www.aibc.ca.