AN OSCAR FOR ARCHITECTURE?

Movies are not the only art form receiving praise at Cannes festivals. Last month, the Marché International des Professionels de l'Immobilier (MIPIM) met there to celebrate achievements in property development. Receiving the Special Jury Prize was the Canadian firm Bing Thom Architects for the Surrey Central City project, a mixed-use development that integrates a regional shopping mall with a major university. Next week we'll see why Bing Thom received this "Oscar" of the property industry. (Photo by Nic LeHoux.)

A FUTURE MADE STRONGER BY THE PAST

Urban neighborhoods often undergo transformations over time, with their population demographics changing faster than their buildings. Architects today are faced with many challenges as they try to preserve historic buildings while meeting current codes and providing modern amenities. If these challenges are successfully met, the result can be a revitalized neighborhood that retains its unique historic character. Next week Melissa Cohen, of GTM Architects, will describe that firm's work revitalizing Washington D.C.'s Chinatown.