təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre has been deemed to be one of the world’s most beautiful sports venues.
The City of New Westminster has announced that the facility has been recognized by the Prix Versailles selection committee as one of the World's Most Beautiful Sports Venues for 2024. Other nominees in the category include: Workers’ Stadium in Beijing, China; Hybrid Stadium in Hangzhou, China; Olympic Aquatic Centre in Saint-Denis, France; CITYPARK in St. Louis, Missouri; and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts
“To see təməsew̓txʷ on this list, among facilities from far and wide, is incredibly meaningful,” said Paul Fast, principal at hcma architecture + design. “Designing for the New Westminster community has been an honour, and we're thrilled to see the positive impact this facility has already had for its users—the people we design for.”
According to the city’s news release, the Prix Versailles – the world architecture and design award – recognizes contemporary projects that leave extraordinary imprints on their living environments. The award criteria include the innovativeness, creativity, reflection of local heritage and ecological efficiency of each project.
“The City of New Westminster is incredibly honoured that təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre has been nominated for this prestigious award. This recognition speaks to the outstanding work that went into designing a facility that reflects our commitment to inclusivity, community well-being, and dedication to environmental responsibility,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Prix Versailles selection committee for this significant recognition and gratitude to hcma architecture + design for their outstanding design work.”
Prix Versailles recognizes “the world’s most beautiful achievements” in airports, campuses, passenger stations, sports, museums, emporiums, hotels and restaurants. təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre is the only Canadian project that has been recognized in any of the Prix Versailles categories.
New York University, John A. Paulson Center (New York, United States), World Selection for the Prix Versailles Campuses 2024 #PrixVersailles2024 #WorldSelection #Campuses2024 @nyuniversity @PageThink pic.twitter.com/9BHEK0I4bo
— Prix Versailles (@PrixVersailles) October 1, 2024
Designed by hcma architecture + design, təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre was created to be a place for people of all ages and abilities.
“Focusing on how communities engage in recreation today and in the future, emphasis was placed on human connection and wellness-based activities alongside traditional sporting and fitness pursuits,” said the city’s news release. “Over two years, more than 3,000 people, including urban Indigenous, Host Nations, multicultural groups, and an accessibility committee, participated in public and stakeholder engagement. The facility’s inclusive design features generous circulation, high-contrast braille signage, universal washrooms, ramps, zero-entry pools, a transfer ledge in the adult hot pool, and a moveable floor in the 50-metre pool.”
The Prix Versailles are announced each year at UNESCO, said the city’s news release.
In addition to being included among the World’s Most Beautiful Sports Venues 2024, təməsew̓txʷ is eligible to compete for one of the three 2024 World Titles – Prix Versailles, Interior and Exterior. Those awards will be determined by the world judges panel, with the World Titles announcement being made on Dec. 2 at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France.
The Record has contacted the City of New Westminster to inquire if it will be sending a representative to France.
After a soft opening of the community centre facilities at the end of April and the pool facilities in mid-May, City of New Westminster held the official opening of the new $114.6-million side of the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre on June. 1.
