The UWSA bikeLAB
UW RELEASE – 2014/063
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Thursday, April 17, 2014
WINNIPEG, MB – Winners have been announced in the 2014 National Urban Design Awards, and The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association bikeLAB, designed by Peter Sampson Architecture Studio Inc., was honoured in the Community Initiatives category. It was the lone Manitoba project chosen this year to receive one of the National Urban Design Awards, presented every two years by Architecture Canada, the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects.
“It’s an important award for our studio, but also an important award for Winnipeg, particularly The University of Winnipeg and the UWSA, who have been pursuing meaningful collaborative community outreach opportunities,” says Peter Sampson, Principal of Peter Sampson Architecture. “The bikeLAB represents a really interesting mode of inquiry and practice when it comes to the delivery of architecture.”
“We’re thrilled to see the outstanding work of Peter and his team acknowledged,” says Rorie McLeod Arnould, the UWSA’s incoming president and current vice president advocate. “The bikeLAB is an instrumental piece of the campus, everyday our dedicated staff and volunteers create exciting new transportation opportunities for students and community members. As the bikeLAB continues to grow, we believe it will continue to demonstrate the value of community bike shops to the city and open up new opportunities moving forward.”
The jury noted the $130 000 project as “an example of the power of small gestures” that “makes a high impact on a minimal-footprint,” and as a replicable prototype making great use of an old shipping container. The UWSA bikeLAB opened in 2011 as a revolutionary cycling education and advocacy facility powered by volunteers that provides space, tools and support to allow students, faculty, staff, and community members to keep their bicycles running smoothly all year long.
“The UWSA bikeLAB is one of the most vibrant, active, and positive spaces on our campus,” says Director of UWinnipeg’s Campus Sustainability Office, Alana Lajoie-O’Malley. “It consistently attracts inspired student leadership, facilitates countless connections with neighbours of all ages, and shows us every day that sustainable transportation enhances health and builds community. I am thrilled to see this beautiful building recognized.”
Click here for a full list of the 2014 National Urban Design Award winners.
For more information on the UWSA bikeLAB, including programs and hours, visit its website at http://uwsabikelab.ca/.
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