Award

M A R C H 2 0 2 4 | 7 Revery Architecture [O P P OS I T E] T H E B U T T ER F LY + F I R S T BA P T I S T C H U RC H CO M P L E X – R EN D ER I N G BY H AY E S DAV I DS O N ; [T H I S PAG E] P H OTO G R A P H Y BY EM A P E T ER ; R EN D ER I N G BY M I R /CO U RT E S Y PAC I F I C N AT I O N A L E X H I B I T I O N I n the world of architecture, there is form and function, and then there's Revery – a name synonymous with dreams, vision, and an unwavering commitment to architecture that positively influences people's emotions. The story of Revery Architecture is a testament to the pursuit of extraordi- nary design rooted in inclusivity and joy. The story began with Bing Thom Architects, founded in 1989 by the visionary Bing Thom. Following Bing's passing in 2016, the torch of this architectural legacy was handed to Venelin Kokalov. Hailing from Bulgaria, Kokalov's creative journey started with co-founding a successful architectural studio in his homeland before coming to Canada in 2002. Thom recognized something special in Venelin and entrusted him to be the studio's design lead. For the past two decades, Venelin's creative flair has become fundamental to the firm's identity. When the time came, Venelin took the reins and transitioned the firm to Revery Architecture. "I chose a name that I believe articulates our continued vision, ambition, and creative rigour. I believe great works of art start with reverie [Revery]," explains Kokalov. Revery's design philosophy is best described with the maxim of building beyond buildings, which illustrates the firm's fundamental mission of community placemaking. The team is driven by a belief that the built environment should engage with, and positively influence, the community into which it is knit. They are committed to designing meaningful architecture – authentically responsive spaces that stimulate human interactions, engage the senses, improve quality of life, and bring joy. "My mission is to keep the firm focused on what we are about – extraordinary design. My goal is to maintain an atmosphere of creativity and happiness from great work in the studio," says Kokalov. Revery is a Vancouver-based firm with international reach. The team of 45 hail from 17 countries, and while the design studio has deep roots in Vancouver, a service-based, agile approach has led the firm to establish satellite offices in Hong Kong, Washington, DC, and Milan. Projects like Xiqu Centre and the University of Chicago Campus in Hong Kong stand tall as testaments to Revery's ethos. Xiqu Centre helped establish the West Kowloon Cultural District, creating a sanctuary for the preservation and evolution of Chinese opera, while also providing the community with an "urban living room" in the form of a covered plaza that is naturally ventilated and open to the public 24/7. Meanwhile, the award-winning University of Chicago Campus in Hong Kong transformed a challenging, abandoned site with a difficult history into an oasis of wonder, culture, and ecological resiliency for the community. Closer to home, The Butterfly + First Baptist Church Complex in Vancouver redefines high-rise living, prioritizing wellness, community, and a connection to nature. Addressing social barriers associated with such structures, this proj- ect embodies the firm's commitment to integrating nature and fostering human connections across all their endeavours. Another notable project, the PNE Amphitheatre renewal, epitomizes Revery's knack for transforming limitations into opportunities. Tasked with creating a covered venue for 10,000 attendees without obstructing Vancouver's scenic mountain views, the firm devised a precedent-setting solution. They pioneered a colossal mass timber starburst arch roof spanning 105 metres, reimagining a traditional concrete shell in a renewable, acoustically beneficial material. "We wanted to create a unique experience for both the audience and performers, in a world-class amphitheatre. Our architectural solution was an elegant structure that will cover the amphitheatre, gracefully touching down into the landscape at three points. This gesture will frame vistas to the mountains and the sur- rounding context, creating transparency at the human level and an intimate atmosphere under the warmth of the wood," says Kokalov. Today, at the helm of Revery's leadership stands a team that's more than just executives – they are the architects of the firm's success. All 12 leaders are united by a common purpose – to create extraordinary buildings that resonate with the soul. While the firm has achieved countless accolades and groundbreaking projects, it's this unwavering commitment to technical excellence and inspiring design that truly encapsulates the spirit of Revery. Revery Architecture isn't just about creating spaces; it's about crafting experiences, nurturing connections, and etching joy into the very fabric of our built environment. "At Revery we passionately believe in social sustainability and the social mission of architecture. Each of our projects is unique. Each of our projects has different human agendas but with one purpose: to bring joy and well-being. For us, it doesn't matter if we are designing a theatre, a concert hall, a library, a residential tower, or a piano, we always create new typologies. We always push the boundaries. We always want to improve the way people live, improve the quality of life, and help people create lasting memories," explains Kokalov. A University of Chicago Campus, Hong Kong PNE Amphitheatre, Vancouver, B.C. Xiqu Centre, Hong Kong School of Sustainable Energy Engineering, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, B.C.

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