Urban Design and Architecture Awards

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Thank you to all who submitted projects for the 2023 Urban Design & Architecture Awards.

The biennial Urban Design and Architecture Awards recognize and celebrate excellence in the design of our urban environment.

A high-quality urban environment contributes to economic and social benefits, improves the image of the City, and creates a sense of pride. A well-designed city is integral to developing a vibrant and sustainable community with a high quality of life. Sustainable urban design and architecture aim to minimize the negative impact of human activities on the environment while also improving the quality of life for the people who live and work in these spaces. This involves incorporating principles such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, using renewable resources, and preserving green spaces into the design process.

Owners, urban designers, architects, landscape architects, planners, contractors, engineers, consultants and students are invited and encouraged to submit projects such as: buildings, additions, alterations, restorations, adaptive reuse, brownfield redevelopment, streetscapes, parks, open spaces, landscapes, ecological restoration and design projects, public art installations, planning studies, and/or student work.

Architects, urban designers, planners, landscape architects, owners, developers, contractors, engineers, students, etc. are invited and encouraged to submit exceptional urban design projects that represent visionary thinking in Hamilton. The submissions should include high quality, innovative and human-scaled projects.

Eligibility

To be eligible, projects must:

The 2023 submission period is now closed.

Award categories have been established to aid in the fair evaluation of entries. A project or components of a project may be submitted under more than one category.

Award categories have been established to aid in the fair evaluation of entries. A project or components of a project may be submitted under more than one category.

The jury will have the opportunity to select one of the projects for a sustainability award.

A stand-alone object, public art installation, landscape element or small-scale building component which contributes to the public realm. Submissions may include, but are not limited to: tactical urbanism, street furnishings, canopies, signage, porches, patios, or colonnades, gateways, light fixtures, walkways, stairways, barrier-free access, fences and works of art.

Criteria:

A building or composition of buildings, that achieve(s) urban design excellence and is precedent setting for a project of its type through its relationship to the natural environment and the public realm with consideration to pedestrian amenity, massing, detailing, as well as landscaping. Submissions should document and highlight how the project contributes to successful city-building through its contextual relationship, design quality and measures of sustainable design. New build, adaptive re-use, and heritage restoration projects are all eligible.

The Building in Context category consists of three sub-categories that reflect a range of scales:

Criteria

A building or a composition of buildings, with a primary function to serve the public and/or is largely accessible to the public. Submissions should demonstrate urban design and architectural excellence through a relationship to the natural environment and the public realm with consideration to pedestrian amenity, massing, detailing, as well as landscaping.In this category, all building scales are eligible, as well as new build, adaptive re-use, and heritage restoration. Submissions may include, but are not limited to: education, health care, recreation, cultural, community and civic buildings.

Criteria

Open spaces, public spaces and green infrastructure projects that contribute to the public realm and the natural environment through careful attention and consideration to context, community, sustainability, flexibility and adaptability over time.

Criteria

Visions, studies and master plans that have the potential to significantly impact the future of Hamilton. Submissions may include but are not limited to: theoretical and visionary projects, secondary plans, master plans, streetscape plans and neighbourhood designs that are currently in progress.

Criteria

Urban design or architecture related initiatives, services, or projects that have had significant civic, social, and/or public realm impacts.

Criteria

High quality theoretical or studio projects that specifically relate to Hamilton. Students that attend universities offering degrees in architecture, landscape architecture and urban planning are welcome to submit an entry.

a. Landscape Architectureb. Architecture

Criteria

The City selects a new jury for each competition. The jury consists of individuals with a background and expertise in urban design, architecture ore related fields. In the past, jury members have included urban designers, architects, landscape architects, journalists, instructors and planners.

Jury Members

Jury Members

Jury Statement

The 2021 Hamilton Urban Design and Architecture Awards Jury reviewed 37 submissions from across the City including a range of entries focusing on improvements to Hamilton’s built form, its public realm, and, more comprehensively, to the inherent connectivity and quality of its urban fabric.

Submissions were considered for their design expression, material selection and sustainability objectives, programmatic intent, and overall contribution to the enhancement of public and pedestrian life in the City of Hamilton.

The Jury noted a broad range of submissions, which speaks to the diversity of the work being promoted by this program. The vibrancy of some of the submissions should also be noted: some were modest and heartwarming submissions, which will change the daily lives of residents in small but incremental ways; there were also larger and more immediately impactful projects, which activate an otherwise under-programmed space and create a destination that fundamentally changes that way people move through and occupy a site.

While several of the entries approached merit and had moments of greatness within them, it occurred to us that some of them could have reached a bit further toward something potentially more aspirational, not just within the project boundaries themselves but also within the larger community.

We state this as we would like to encourage future designers working in the City of Hamilton to not be timid. The time for timidness here is over. Hamilton is a thriving metropolis with cosmopolitan ambitions; this City has extremely strong bones, a good planning structure and design community, and dedicated residents and businesses who would never consider living or working elsewhere. The spirit of future submissions need to channel this strong character.

Download the 2021 Jury Report(PDF, 5.84 MB)

Jury Members

Jury Statement

With the 2019 Hamilton Urban Design Awards, the jury had the privilege of examining 43 submissions that reflected the creativity and ingenuity at work in the city today.

Adaptive reuse and restoration projects are prominent among the submissions - and among the winners. It is clear to the jury that Hamilton’s architects, landscape architects, planners and property owners understand the value of preserving what Hamilton already has and using it to its maximum potential rather than - or along with -demolishing and rebuilding.

This results in a city richer in surprising and engaging places, such as the King James Building, where a former alleyway leads to a sophisticated restaurant space behind a historic brick facade.

Sustainability is another important theme. The North End Traffic Management project, while modest in scope, reflects how the city can rethink its existing infrastructure and spaces to good effect. So does the winning student project, by a team of Ryerson students, which reimagines the King George School as a community hub.

The jury notes the importance of urban design, as opposed to simply architecture or landscape architecture. Even if a project is well-designed in isolation, that is not enough, it must contribute in a meaningful way in order to qualify for an award. The jury chose not to name awards in several categories where this criterion was not met.

On the other hand, the jury was excited to see a strong community spirit in many of the submissions, particularly the PlanLocal Beautiful Streets and Spaces. Community groups all over Hamilton are engaging in smaller initiatives that will collectively make a big difference to the future of the city.

And the city itself is contributing to a sense of community through commissioning high-quality public facilities. The Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre, and its accompanying landscape, reflect this civic ambition and a commitment to thoughtful design that is built to last.

The Jury would like to thank all those who submitted to the awards.

Download the 2019 Jury Report(PDF, 1.72 MB)

Jury Members

Jury Statement

The 2017 Hamilton Urban Design Awards Jury had the privilege of reviewing 48 projects in urban, suburban, and rural settings throughout the city. The submissions included: new buildings, additions, renovations, restorations, adaptive re-use projects, landscapes, streetscapes, master plans and student projects.

The members of the Jury were very impressed with the variety and quality of projects submitted. Many of the strongest submissions were focused on the sensitive accommodation of population growth and commercial opportunities, or on supporting the growing city with high-quality public realm, civic infrastructure and amenities. The submissions also included a great range of innovative design initiatives, from small-scale projects to major undertakings that targeted the positive transformation of a street, a neighbourhood, or the range of civic amenities for the city as a whole. The Jury also recognized that some winners were noteworthy for precedent-setting contributions to their ambient urban environments.

Some categories stand out for particular mention:

The Jury would like to thank all those who submitted, and congratulate all those practitioners and owners who contribute to making the Hamilton a truly dynamic and vibrant city.

Jury Members

Jury Statement

The Jury had the privilege of reviewing 35 projects throughout Hamilton in both urban and suburban locations. The submissions included: new buildings, additions, renovations, restorations, adaptive re-use projects, landscapes, streetscapes and student works. The Jury was impressed by the high quality of design excellence in the City of Hamilton.

This award program serves as a way of taking Hamilton's design vital signs over the past 2 years. The program reflects upon the positive trends and progressive design achievements, while identifying themes and neighbourhoods that are building momentum in the City. Projects, whether large or small, public or private, emphasized the important role of design in the regeneration of the City by helping to raise community spirit, inspiring positive social change, and promoting a vibrant and healthy urban environment.

The Jury was inspired to create three new categories of awards: Placemaking which contributes to the creation of community identity and landmarks; Civic Generosity which recognizes projects that promote an important public and social relationship; and Urban Regeneration which is the catalytic power fuelling the ongoing revitalization of this City. There is strong evidence that public investment in parks, streets and infrastructure is spurring growth and private investment throughout the City.

The Jury admired the diversity of projects submitted, as they exemplify the variety of urban contexts in Hamilton and the uniqueness of Hamilton's character. In fact, many projects appeared to punch above their weight class by creating a positive transformation of their surrounding environment. The projects of most interest to the Jury did not reflect self-serving high-end design goals. Rather, the Jury appreciated those projects that sought to fit within and reinvigorate the surrounding urban character through a cleverness of design.

Some of the projects that received awards were in recognition of Hamilton's commitment to heritage, good design, and the adaptive re-use of buildings and spaces. What intrigued the Jury was the pioneering spirit of visionary developers and owners, and their design teams that took risks by investing in projects that required great passion, bravery, and ingenuity. These projects exemplify excellence in design.

Many projects reviewed by the Jury made broad gains in environmental sustainability by incorporating a variety of leading practices and technologies that reduce waste, energy consumption and provide long-term cost savings. These projects showcase the technological prowess of design professionals and builders in Hamilton.

The Jury applauds the submission of a tactical urbanism project. These types of projects, when executed well, offer a broad range of benefits that can enhance urban life by providing creative and low cost 'quick wins'. The Jury encourages the submission of more of these small scale projects in the future.

The Jury recognises that the Urban Design and Architecture Awards program is an essential tool that has progressively elevated the status of good design in the City of Hamilton. The jury commends the work of the staff team that prepared the Awards program in 2015. The Jury would like to thank all those who submitted projects and congratulate everyone involved in a job well done!

Jury Members

Jury Statement

The Jury had the privilege of reviewing the project submissions that were categorized as urban design,architecture, contextual architecture, adaptive re-use, heritage conservation, cultural landscape, streetscape, and environmental design that were located throughout the City in a variety of different contexts. The Jury was impressed with the range of housing types that were submitted; single family dwellings, townhouses, apartments and affordable housing. The Jury was also impressed with the number of submissions that contribute to the local arts and cultural movements that are gaining momentum in Hamilton.

Of note is the number of submissions that were received relating to heritage conservation, and adaptive re-use of heritage buildings. Of special note is the fact that several of the buildings although listed, were not designated, yet the owners ensured that their heritage character was respected. Overall, these projects are welcomed as positive examples that will inspire future projects to be attractive, engaging, innovative and sustainable.

New categories were created for cultural heritage landscapes, environmental design and contextual architecture. These award winning projects provided innovative design responses to address heritage landscapes, environmental issues and to provide a fulsome architectural response to neighbourhood context.

As a UDAA first, the Jury decided to honour two projects for overall outstanding achievement and excellence in the category of Urban Design. These projects captured the true spirit of the UDAA’s, achieving many of the objectives to create quality urban environments in which to live, work and play.

Jury Members

Jury Statement

The Jury had the privilege of reviewing project submissions that included small renovations, landscapes, residential developments, commercial and office buildings, and major institutional projects. These projects are celebrated as welcomed additions to the fabric of the City and will undoubtedly inspire other projects in the City and contribute to the growing and positive transformation happening in Hamilton.

Many of the projects incorporated sustainable design technologies and architectural systems. Outstandingly, there were six LEED certified or eligible projects that employ a wide variety of systems contributing to the wave of sustainable design sweeping through the development community. Many projects were also about community health and well-being and included designs that emphasized the important role of architecture and urban design toward the promotion of vibrant and healthy communities. Excellent public and private spaces are created with good design achieving inviting and comfortable spaces for people.

The Jury was unanimous regarding the Lister Block submission, choosing this project above all for special recognition in the category of Restoration. As a collaboration between many disciplines, this project is an outstanding achievement and showcases the fulfilment of several different objectives regarding urban design, conservation, restoration, adaptive reuse, downtown revitalization and community renewal.

The Jury would like to thank all those who submitted and congratulate all those professionals and owners involved on a job well done.

Jury Members

Jury Statement

The signs of positive change and evolution in a city are often best represented by an accumulation of a number of smaller exciting projects rather than one large project. The thirty submissions to the 2007 Urban Design and Architecture Awards are a reflection of this. A majority of the entries are renovations, additions, parkettes or small buildings representing a wide range of uses from across the city. The winning submissions demonstrate that these types of projects can have a positive influence on the city's public spaces. Using limited resources, the award winning designers skilfully employ sustainable design techniques, innovative design solutions and an understanding of the local community and context to create places that have a positive impact well beyond their size. Not only are these projects welcome additions to their community but their success provides inspiration to other designers and owners across the city to create great public spaces for all Hamiltonians to enjoy no matter the scope or location of their development.

Jury Members

2021 Award Winners

The City of Hamilton received 37 submissions from architects, urban designers, planners, landscape architects, engineers, consultants, owners and college/university students. Each submission was evaluated by a volunteer Jury consisting of design professionals and a student.

Award winners were determined by the Jury’s review which was based on the following evaluation criteria:

The awards were announced to the public, including project design teams and owners, in a video ceremony on Thursday, November 4, 2021 in celebration of World Town Planning Day. The Jury Report provides more information on the winning submissions.

Congratulations to all the winners of the Urban Design & Architecture Awards.

Project descriptionFerguson Station is a heritage landmark in the Downtown core of the City of Hamilton and is a reflection of the area’s rich history, culture and economic importance.

The trains that helped bring prosperity to the area, no longer regularly pass through the station. In its place are the daily processions of community people from various walks of life.

This mural honours the significant past of a once a bustling train station and visually communicates its present iteration as a community pathway and gathering area.

Jury commentsThe diverse community represented in the mural is both appropriate and aspirational. The Jury enjoyed the inclusion of past present and future in the imagery, acknowledging the professional and comprehensive execution of the mural which integrates urban elements such as the power box in its thematic representation.

The deployment of the narrative compels the pedestrian to walk the length of the mural to grasp the entirety of the story.

Address 250 King Street East, Hamilton

Project team

Project descriptionA transitional residence for those recovering from acquired brain injuries or stroke – our client, Connect Communities Hamilton, is implementing a new treatment model in Ontario that assists their residents in a life redesign process. This treatment programme requested that traditional barrier-free code requirements be creatively avoided or hidden where possible, creating a definitively residential environment. The 42 bedrooms with accessible ensuites and communal living spaces are connected to amenity spaces and offices. A treatment room includes consideration for flooring and equipment as well as a ceiling mounted patient lift to assist in client rehabilitation and fitness programs.

Jury commentsThere is a satisfying spatial complexity to the design of the shared outdoor landscape and amenity space. The massing, visible from the street, invites discovery by neighbours. There are “good eyes on the street”.

The relationship between private balconies and terraces and the public walkways promotes respectable sociability while the detailing of the buildings is suitably robust and maps well to the use of the housing.

Address 8 Columbus Gate, Stoney Creek

Project team

Project descriptionThe Olympia Club is a project located in Downtown Hamilton which combines two underutilized and decaying buildings in the Downtown core fronting on Gore Park. Once the home of Leslie’s Shoe Store, these two buildings are now home to fully restored and renovated office spaces on the second, third and fourth floors. The ground floor and mezzanine spaces offer commercial and restaurant opportunities. A roof top patio offers an additional amenity area for the building’s tenants or an outdoor terrace for use by a ground floor restaurant. The floor to ceiling glass at the north and south facades allows natural light to flood through the spaces. This project has restored and replicated historic details like exposed brick and beams, stone cornices, mouldings and Art Deco railings.

Jury commentsThe Jury welcomed the strategy of heritage renewal for the retention of Hamilton’s fine existing building stock. The re-introduction of large operable windows adds an appreciable texture to the sidewalk edge and enables rental units to access fresh air and natural ventilation.

The renewed elevation is a great investment onto Gore Park – which is an important transportation point in the Downtown. The attention to detail in the restoration is appreciated particularly in the masonry and window mullion profiles.

Address 59 King Street East, Hamilton

Project team

Project descriptionA sensitive renovation and addition to an existing 1850 heritage structure has doubled the size of this visionary non-profit community arts centre. By placing the addition at the rear of the property, the original structure’s street presence is maintained. A new cantilevered entrance canopy along the building’s north side is a subtle intervention that leads to the building’s new rear porch and entrance. Similarly, a projecting second floor lantern-like room is visible from the street and offers a hint of the thoughtful modern rear addition and interior transformation. Restoration of the original structure’s exterior includes newly painted stucco and window frames, landscaping, and the removal and replacement of interlocking stone steps and porch.

The project is built around the Hamilton Music Collective and their ‘An Instrument for Every Child’ program, dedicated to nourishing youth self-esteem through the musical arts. It is also used as a church and rental event space.

Jury commentsThe Jury was pleased to see a contemporary addition to an existing heritage building as an adaptive re-use strategy.

The re-working of the entry sequence, marking the new entry along the side yard and integrating an accessible ramp, is a laudable strategy. The scale of the addition is also noted for its sympathetic relationship to the immediate neighbours.

Address 141 Park Street North, Hamilton

Project team

Project descriptionThis redevelopment upcycles a tired pair of mixed-use buildings into a new catalyst building contributing to the revival of hip Barton Village. The upper floors contain eight fully rebuilt rental apartments (from six originally), with exposed wood joists and roof decks in the upper units. Fire escapes were replaced with separated stairs, the building envelope was renewed, and all new services were provided throughout, all on a modest budget. The residential windows are lined with projecting sunshades decorated with random colours and dice patterns; along with the new storefront they create a dynamic landmark.

Home to the notorious Gallery 435 Arts Centre (and speakeasy) from 1983-2018, this famed Hammer arts landmark was run by artist & visionary Ellis Bateson. The main floor is now home to the hip Mosaic Bar (and its alleyway patio), and to the unique retail hybrid of Dawson’s Hot Sauce shop and Bike Locke.

Jury commentsThis project represents a good example of urban renewal of existing, worn, architectural heritage stock.

The modesty of the front elevation creates compelling building elements that will add up to a new attractive public realm as the remainder of the block is renovated.

The redesigned ground floor, particularly the large glazed openings, the glazed tile, and new building lighting spilling onto the sidewalk, is appropriately scaled to engage the pedestrian realm. The Jury also commends the design attention to the corner treatment where the sidewalk widens into a safe amenity zone, harnessing the opportunity of the site.

Address 435 Barton Street East, Hamilton

Project team

Project descriptionThe idea to beautify Barton Village through Depave Paradise came in response to concerns around urban runoff and under-used, aging boulevards. It identified a unique opportunity to transform some of these small but mighty corners into something vibrant, alive and rewarding. To date, two boulevard ‘depaves’ have been completed and an additional site will be completed before the end of June 2021. The redesign of these sites took into consideration adjacent structures and their intended use, employing different forms of green infrastructure to prioritize their functionality, appeal, and longevity.

Jury commentsThe jury unanimously appreciated the citizen led aspect of the project and the immediate positive impact of the initiative. This is a good example of a replicable and affordable way to contribute to streetscaping, illustrating how modest, incremental, positive change can occur in the public realm.

Address 621 Barton St E, 579-581 Barton St E, 539 Barton St E, Hamilton

Project team

Project descriptionThe Fisherman’s Pier District Concept Plan presents an exciting opportunity to reimagine a complex waterfront space that blends neighbourhood, recreational, industrial and heritage elements. Located in the shadow of the towering Skyway Bridge, the study area includes a large swath of land that has been under-utilized for decades. The Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) partnered with Civicplan to design and implement a participatory planning approach to the Concept Plan that blended a comprehensive analysis of planning policy and the use of an innovative engagement tool to provide the public and stakeholders more opportunities to participate in the design process. The Concept Plan promotes healthier lifestyles and improves quality of life by combining zone-specific interventions with other features to help residents reconnect to their waterfront allowing more people the opportunity to enjoy Lake Ontario and Hamilton Harbour.

Jury commentsThis is a skillful re-imagining of an under-utilized post industrial site that is one of the gateway entries to the City.

The designers know the site well as evidenced by the sensitive integration of industrial artifacts; the waterfront location has been maximized to take advantage of existing topographical datums in the design of the circulation, gathering spots, and framed views to add a significant new urban park to Hamilton.

As indicated by renderings, the soft landscaping proposes an appropriate range of plant types to offer a range of experiences and a mediation of weather, summer through winter.

​​​​Address 1155 Eastport Dr, Hamilton

Project team

Project descriptionThe Ken Soble Tower Transformation is a ground-breaking project rehabilitating a 1967 social housing apartment building in Hamilton, while reinvigorating community spaces, planning for aging-in-place and barrier-free living, and building resilience to a changing climate. One of the first such retrofits in North America, the Ken Soble Tower is set to be one of the largest EnerPHit (Passive House retrofit) certified projects in the world. The renewal project brought 146 units of deeply-affordable seniors’ housing back online, making the Ken Soble Tower one of the most ambitious social housing transformations in the country, and paving the way for the nation’s aging housing supply to secure a healthy, resilient future for millions of Canadians.

Jury commentsThe tower renewal approach is laudable, particularly in the context of a design strategy intended to increase the building’s energy performance. The passive house certification stands as a civic achievement, demonstrating the viability of this solution in relation to aging housing infrastructure and serving as a strong example to similar conditions in Hamilton.

Retaining the existing building has the benefit of maintaining existing City housing stock, relative to a likely reduced yield in a new-built scenario.

Address 500 MacNab Street North, Hamilton

Project team

Project descriptionHamilton is one of Canada’s leading industrial centres; it is the country’s largest steel centres. Yet the decline is obvious, the industry is losing its future and employees. Where should Hamilton go next?

The thesis examines the potential for specific urban interventions at different scales to act as catalysts for the development of a sustainable built environment. It proposes introduction and accommodation of new institutions in the Hamilton Bayfront Area within an expanded, enhanced, and attractive public realm.

Jury commentsThis is an admirable attempt to use the building form to frame views of the harbour. The protruding “arms” of the W shaped-building become prows framing expansive views of the water; they also function as accessible public realm components, welcoming pedestrians below.

The undulating green roof complements the existing topography and adds a playful element.

Address Hamilton Bayfront Area

Project team

Yuan Li, University of Toronto

Project descriptionA keystone to a healthy community is access to locally grown and healthy foods. The Greenbelt Farmer's Market & Learning Centre aims to engage the local community in growing, eating and shopping locally. With program spaces that teach youth how to garden and how to live a healthy life, this facility can contribute to the health of the neighbourhood for generations. Given its proximity to the iconic Battlefield Park and Centennial Parkway, the facility can become a visible local attraction, spreading awareness of healthy living and of the adjacent Greenbelt ecology.

Jury commentsThe form-follows-function drive behind the planning of this project is successful and straightforward, leading to a very logical program deployment and massing.

The use of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is a great structural collateral move, complementing the programmatic intent of this project – a fresh market sourcing healthy food and learning opportunities for the surrounding community - by incorporating healthy, sustainable building technology. Architectural details such as skylights contribute to a great experience.

Address King at Centennial, Stoney Creek

Project team

Gabriel Garofalo

Historical Award Winner Mapping

View the mapping of all Urban Design & Architecture Award Winners