Innovation Grove tells a story of innovation, of a place where giants stand at the mouth of the mighty Fraser river. The trophy is a representation to the area’s rich history. The great forest groves that once covered the landscape have given way to a coppice of magnificent towering skyscrapers. Contrasting materials looks forward to a bright future, where ecological innovation and stewardship of the land define our idea of success. Locally sourced native wood represents the roots, which have fed off the land and air for centuries. Polished finishes aluminium surfaces are a reflection of the world around us. The cascading panels contain an engraved placard, one for each years winner. From each angle the trophy takes on different forms, much like a cityscape transforming in time as we rotate around the sun. The base is made up of ten slices which rise as a symbol exponential progress and innovation. By alternating the finished of the rings, a sense of movement is created like the flapping of a beavers tail, an iconic reminder of our duty to care for what nature has provided, and the significance of environmental sustainability. At the top of the trophy is a crown-like representation of the city’s newest emblem.

 

Students from KPU product design had an opportunity to develop trophy concepts extracurricular to classes. After initial discussions and roundtables as a whole group, we broke into smaller teams to follow 3 directions. Relaying my own exploration with the program coordinator and workshop technician, I created this concept. I did the concept sketching, modelling and rendering. I pushed very hard to make sure the trophy reflected my vision. The organizers of the contest and sponsors were very excited about the design, choosing it out of all three proposals.

In the end I had to leave the country for a Swiss exchange semester, and due to a short time frame and budget, some concessions were made in the production of the trophy. I learned a valuable lesson in design for production, and commend the faculty and students involved for a great job in realizing a final result not far from the initial vision.