Free Press columnist Bellamy honoured with national architecture award

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This article was published 14/05/2019 (2538 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg architect and Free Press columnist Brent Bellamy has been honoured by his peers with a national award for his advocacy.

The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada announced Tuesday Bellamy was the recipient of its Advocate for Architecture award, which is presented every two years, celebrating an architect who has made a public contribution to architecture without actually doing architectural work.

Bellamy, an architect at Number TEN Architectural Group has written a column in the Free Press since 2010 pushing for sustainable city buildings and human-focused design.

“His passionate advocacy for architecture is responsible for a strong public appreciation of architecture within his community and beyond,” the RAIC jury said.

“His influence has spread far beyond Winnipeg and helped raise national attention to critical issues of urbanism and design.”

The jury also noted that in 2014 Bellamy was a key organizer of Winnipeg’s first mayoral candidate debate on architecture and design issues. As well, during the 2018 civic election he became a leader of the Vote Open side in the public debate about opening the intersection at Portage and Main to pedestrians.

“As a writer and columnist, he underscores the importance and impact of architecture in everyday life and promotes innovation in architecture and design,” said the three-member jury, which included former governor general Adrienne Clarkson.

“Brent illustrates the idea of the architect as civic leader; his vocal advocacy for the role of design is approachable to the general public and inspires all readers, architects included, to seek design that uplifts the human spirit.”