The University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA) has relaunched the Margolese National Design for Living Prize. The $50,000 award — an estate gift to UBC by the late Leonard Herbert Margolese — recognizes a Canadian making a profound impact on the built environment.
“SALA is honoured to offer the Margolese National Design for Living Prize — a distinction that speaks directly to the values and vision that have shaped our school,” says SALA’s director Ron Kellett. “Society is facing urgent and interconnected global emergencies. Now, more than ever, it is becoming clear that designers are empowering people to lead safer, more independent, accessible and meaningful lives. With the Margolese Prize, we intend to inspire practitioners and students everywhere by honouring Canadians who are shaping our future cities and landscapes.”
Since 2012, the Margolese Prize has recognized six individuals. Honorees include landscape architect Cornelia Oberlander, best known for her public spaces at Robson Square in Vancouver and the National Gallery of Canada. Activist Sylvia McAdam, co-founder of the global grassroots Indigenous and environmental rights movement Idle No More, was also recognized. Her ‘One House, Many Nations’ campaign both drew attention to, and provided immediate solutions for the housing crisis faced by many of Canada’s Indigenous communities. Another recipient was architect and educator Anne Cormier, who was recognized for her interdisciplinary work at the social end of design.
In 2018, SALA paused the prize to review its terms and significance. With the relaunch, SALA hopes to attract nominations from a broader array of disciplines.
Nominations will open February 2021. Individuals may nominate themselves or someone else. Shortlisted candidates will be evaluated by a peer jury and notified in May 2021. A winner will be announced in September 2021 and awarded $50,000 to support their interests.
“We hope that the Margolese National Design for Living Prize will become recognized as a point of pride and inspiration within the Canadian design community. Please support us by spreading awareness and by nominating yourself or someone you feel is contributing to a more sustainable, accessible and inclusive built environment,” said Kellett.
For more information about the prize and nomination, visit: http://margoleseprize.com.