Design Victoria 2026: A City in the Making
In early May 2026, Design Victoria 2026 highlighted the design landscape of British Columbia, emphasizing community engagement, Indigenous viewpoints, and urban growth. The event featured a series of panel discussions, studio tours, and project showcases. A significant panel at The Rotunda included urban designer Miko Betanzo, City Councillor Krista Loughton, and Nathan Flach, who advocated for enhancing waterfront accessibility and activating public spaces. Moderator Erica Sangster stressed the importance of grassroots involvement. Tours showcased the redevelopment of the First Metropolitan United Church by Aryze and MA+HG Architects, which will introduce a performance venue and 128 housing units, as approved by the Victoria City Council. The Estoya tower, designed by 5468786 Architecture, is nearing completion with 91 rental units. Indigenous programming included a Paddle Welcome Song and Brianna Bear's ReWilding Douglas Street initiative.
Key facts
- Design Victoria 2026 took place in early May 2026 in Victoria, British Columbia.
- A panel at The Rotunda discussed public space design with Miko Betanzo, Krista Loughton, Nathan Flach, and moderator Erica Sangster.
- First Metropolitan United Church will be redeveloped by Aryze and MA+HG Architects into a mixed-use hub with a performance venue and 128 homes.
- Victoria City Council unanimously approved the First Metropolitan United Church redevelopment.
- The Estoya, a 91-unit rental tower by 5468786 Architecture, will open in fall 2026.
- Softer Drink, a non-alcoholic beverage shop by Saksun Studio, is an AZ Awards 2026 finalist.
- Artist Brianna Bear presented ReWilding Douglas Street, mapping precolonial landscape with archival maps.
- University of Victoria's Indigenous Law Wing was designed by Teeple Architects, Two Row Architect, and Low Hammond Rowe Architects.
Entities
Artists
- Miko Betanzo
- Krista Loughton
- Nathan Flach
- Erica Sangster
- Kieran Lynch
- Sara Graorac
- Claire Saksun
- Brianna Bear
- Mike Randall
- Nathan Martell
- Quinton Gordon
- Robin Mazumder
- Carrie Smart
- Maureen Elmer
- Rick Clark
- Breanne Des Roche
- Jigna Vala
- Andrea
- Jonathan
- Calen Knauf
Institutions
- Design Victoria
- City of Victoria
- Calgary Municipal Land Corporation
- DAU Studio
- Aryze
- MA+HG Architects
- 5468786 Architecture
- Saksun Studio
- AZ Awards
- Lekwungen Traditional Dancers
- Christine Lintott Architects
- University of Victoria's EcoVisualization Studio
- Teeple Architects
- Two Row Architect
- Low Hammond Rowe Architects
- Azure Magazine
- CANTU Bathrooms & Hardware
- Softer Drink
Locations
- Victoria
- British Columbia
- Canada
- The Rotunda
- City Hall
- Quadra Cultural Corridor
- First Metropolitan United Church
- Fernwood
- University of Victoria
- Calgary
- Milan
- New York
- Copenhagen