For the 7th year in a row, a BCIT Architectural Science Degree student has won the prestigious national competition, the Andy Kesteloo Memorial Student Project Award. Tessa Benson is a 4th year graduating student of this degree program.
The Andy Kesteloo Memorial Student Project Award is in memory of Andy Kesteloo, a visionary green building advocate, who with humour, insight, and passion shared his commitment for a sustainable earth.
Administered by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC), the Award recognizes a student project that demonstrates leadership, innovation, inspiration, and a creative vision for the future of sustainable design. This competition challenges students to explore innovative, realistic design of the built environment thinking globally, acting locally to achieve a durable, efficient, comprehensive design that is easy to maintain and operate while being adaptable for future generations.
Tessa’s winning project was titled Outside the Box. Her project was a concept for an LGBTQ youth shelter and support centre that proposes a broad-spectrum approach to sustainability.
“Outside the Box is designed to address the gaps within traditional shelter design and programming in meeting the unique needs of LGBTQ youth, by offering gender-neutral programs including transitional housing and crisis beds, common spaces for gathering, meals and socializing, work opportunities to help youth reintegrate into society, and other amenities. Tessa’s project also incorporates elements of the WELL Building Standard, Passive House Standards, and sustainable design for its structural and mechanical systems.” – Canada Green Building Council
Congratulations Tessa!