by ArchitectureWeek

In the realm of mixed-use developments, certain mixes of use have become commonplace: office and retail; housing and schools; cultural and entertainment facilities. But a new complex for Surrey, British Columbia, Canada has drawn attention by combining an unlikely pair: a regional shopping mall and a campus for a major university.

The 1.7 million-square-foot (158,000-square-meter) Central City project has drawn further attention by receiving the Special Jury Prize at this year's MIPIM (Marché International des Professionels de l'Immobilier, or International Property Market) Awards. Canadian firm Bing Thom Architects was honored at a celebration in Cannes, France, with what is considered the "Oscar" of the property industry.

Projects from around the world were evaluated by the criteria of infrastructures and facilities access, site integration, originality of the concept, technical and architectural qualities, and integration of services.   >>>

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Central City in Surrey, B.C., combining a university campus with a regional shopping mall, has received MIPIM's 2004 Special Jury Prize. Photo: Martin Tessler The new building by Bing Thom Architects, brings urbanity to the mixed-use development. Photo: Nic Lehoux   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.