Two Canadian architecture firms win AIA International Awards

Two Canadian architecture firms, PHAEDRUS Studio and HCMA Architecture + Design, have received the American Institute of Architects (AIA) International Region Awards in the Architecture and Interior Architecture categories.

Located within Toronto’s industrial brick-and-beam architecture in downtown, PHAEDRUS Studio’s Thor Espresso received the AIA’s International Honor Award for Interior Architecture. The design responds to two distinct interfaces of a “corner” retail space while also enhancing the experience of its historic shell.

With expansive stainless steel portals that emphasize the existing structural bays, the cafe presents a highly unique and refined architecture where functional and expressive elements are interwoven.

“Despite its modest typology, presents an innovative experience that pushes the boundaries of hospitality design, both aesthetically and technically,” says PHAEDRUS Studio.

HCMA Architecture + Design received the AIA International Honor Award for Architecture for the Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre in Surrey, BC. Both a destination training facility and a venue for regional, national and international competitions, the centre meets stringent FINA standards to sporting events in its 10-lane, 50m Olympic size competition pool and dive platform.

With seating for up to 900 spectators, it is poised to act as a premier destination for competitive diving and swimming, synchronized swimming and water polo events.

“The project vision was to design and build a world-class aquatic centre to attract people from everywhere, while expressing the community’s ambition for Surrey. Inclusivity and universal access help to support a diverse culture. Intended to accommodate the needs of its growing community, the aquatic centre plays a vital role as the area develops and the master plan vision, which HCMA also helped to develop, is realized,” says HCMA.

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