Five New Warming Huts Take Shape at The Forks

The Forks, Winnipeg – The teams have arrived in Winnipeg and are building their warming hut creations, which until now have only been theoretical. 

Five new huts are being built this week in and around the Canopy area in front of The Forks Market by a truly international group of architects.

“The creativity and genius behind this year’s huts are something everyone should come down and see,” says Paul Jordan, Chief Operating Officer, The Forks. “It’s one thing to put these thoughts down on paper, but to see it come together on site is another thing all together.”

Three huts were chosen from an open design competition with the winning designs coming from teams in Czech Republic, Norway and New York. The fourth hut was chosen from student submissions at the University of Manitoba and the fifth, possibly most anticipated hut, comes from world renowned invited architect, Frank Gehry.
“Over the past two years this competition has grown exponentially in terms of international recognition. Case in point, Frank Gehry agreed to participate based on an ask by letter,” says Paul Jordan. “With the assistance of our partners, we can see that this is just going to get bigger and bigger each and every year.”

The Canada Council was proud to be a partner for the second year.

“Once again this year, our jury members were unanimous in recommending full support to the Warming Huts project, says Brigitte Desrochers - Program Officer, Architecture, Canada Council for the Arts. “Many wished a version of it existed in their hometown.”

The Manitoba Association of Architects hopes visitors look beyond the structure and appreciate the huts for their uniqueness in design.

“This winter, as you take shelter from the cold or just pause to catch your breath during your skate, take time to appreciate the innovation, artistry and imagination of the talented architects and designers who have contributed to the beauty of our river trails,” said Jerald Peters, President of the Manitoba Association of Architects.

The huts will be completed on The Forks site by the end of this weekend. They will be taken to Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail during the week of January 30th and be joined by six of the huts from previous year’s exposition: Carcass, Apparition, Fir Hut, Woodpile, Under the Covers and Sunspot.

The competition component, supported in part by the Manitoba Association of Architects, was announced September 2011. This year the Inn at the Forks will act as host hotel and additional support has been received from PCL and KGS.

Note to editors/directors: Design images and submission summaries are attached.

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