Two British Columbia projects that demonstrate new ways to use wood and steel have been honoured for their innovation in architecture by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.

The Wood Innovation Design Centre in Prince George is a centre of excellence at the University of Northern British Columbia. It aims to show that tall timber buildings can be economical and safe, and celebrates wood as a beautiful and sustainable material. The architect is Michael Green, FRAIC, of MGA | Michael Green Architecture in Vancouver.

One Fold is a research project exploring the architectural possibilities of folding a single sheet of steel one time. The project takes its inspiration from a challenge put to origami artist, Paul Jackson to make an origami sculpture with only one fold. The architects are John Patkau, FRAIC, and Patricia Patkau, FRAIC, of Patkau Architects in Vancouver.

“The firms led by Michael Green and the Patkaus have respectively developed a rich architectural process involving the synthesis of materiality, methods of construction and formal design,” said RAIC President Sam Oboh, FRAIC. “When combined, the results add considerable value to our everyday lives.

This Innovation in Architecture award recognizes exceptional architectural innovation. Potential areas for innovation include research and development, applied use of new technology and adaptation of existing technology. Innovation can also be demonstrated by new project delivery and construction methods, advanced design processes and fresh approaches to details and materials.

The jury members were architects Omar Gandhi, MRAIC, of Halifax, Donald Chong, MRAIC, of Toronto, and Jean-Pierre LeTourneux, FIRAC, of Montreal.