Vancouver-based architect and urban designer Bing Thom is the winner of the second annual $50,000 Margolese National Design for Living Prize. The prize is awarded by the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture to a Canadian who makes outstanding contributions to the development or improvement of living environments for Canadians of all economic classes.

“It is a great honour to have the community building and placemaking aspects of my work recognized as they have always been core to the values of my practice,” he says. “Architecture has a huge potential to change our world for the better when it authentically engages the community in which it is placed.”

As part of the award, each winner is invited to give a public lecture on their work.

Some of Thom’s recent design projects in Metro Vancouver include the Surrey City Centre Library, Aberdeen Centre and the Sunset Community Centre. Among numerous awards bestowed on Bing Thom and his firm is the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s highest honour, the RAIC Gold Medal.