Livable City Design Awards

There is almost always a debate regarding achitecture and design in cities as old as ours.  Should we preserve original buildings or build new ones?  How can we incorporate new establishments into a historical downtown?  How do we work around century old roads and brick walls?  Much of that debate has been carried on right here with discussions surrounding new buildings such as Jack Astor’s and the incorporation of Milestones in the old S&R.  Whether or not we are supporters of new takes on old spaces, I think we can all agree that we prefer to see something happen to old buildings rather than leaving them empty.

Significance: City Wide Scale – Contribution to the City’s design objectives as related to the City’s image, visual identity, vistas, skyline and streetscapes;

Significance: Community Scale – Contribution to the quality of the environment within a community, the demonstration of regard for the context of the locale, and enhancing a sense of place and personal safety or reinforcing a unique history;

Innovation – The degree of creative response to project requirements and site constraints, and the ability to influence trends;

Context – The relationship or blending of built form and spaces with existing and planned development, and respect for, enhancement of, the area’s character;

Execution – The quality of construction materials, and the interpretation of the design into reality;

Green Design – Demonstrates an integrated approach to design that supports environmental and sustainable site and building practices; and,

Accessibility – Displays a high standard of Universal Design principles as set out in the City of Kingston Official Plan.