The Editor,
Re. “PoMo council opts to get info on potential road options in Flinn” (The Tri-City News, Sept. 16).
The continuing controversy regarding a road or not a road through Bert Flinn Park in Port Moody has had little input regarding the design and location of this connector from the prospective developer of the Ioco lands. The deferred decision of the council this past week includes a consideration of these factors when presented.
Concerned with the difficulties, I felt that knowing more about the designer would provide insights and potential partnership. At my request, James Cheng, the architect for Brilliant Circle Group, provided a brief biography, which I wish to share with others who believe as I do in the values of working together to find common ground:
“James K.M. Cheng is a Canadian architect recognized for his pioneering contributions to west coast architecture and city building... Cheng’s approach represents a sensitive marriage of generous open environments with vibrant high-density living. He is a lecturer at the University of British Columbia, and a design critic and juror.
“Cheng launched his architectural career working for Fred Bassetti and Mithun Partners while earning his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Washington in Seattle. A condominium project he designed during this time captured the attention of Architectural Record Magazine and garnered awards from AIA Seattle as well as the national AIA ‘Homes for Better Living’ program. Cheng went on to apprentice with Henrik Bull in San Francisco, and then for three years with Arthur Erickson in Vancouver, before studying at the Harvard Graduate School of Design under Richard Meier.
“Cheng established James K.M. Cheng Architects Inc. in 1978. Since its inception, the firm has been presciently focused on designing high-density urban environments around nuanced open spaces that foster social interchange. Cheng plays a leading role in the widely studied and emulated form of urban development known as Vancouverism. The firm continues to evolve concepts of livability and sustainability at various scales — most recently at the community planning level throughout the Greater Vancouver region, in China, and in Hawaii.
“Cheng has received over 45 design awards, including the Order of Canada, our country’s highest honour for lifetime achievement, Canada’s Governor General’s Medal in Architecture. His work has been published and exhibited in Canada, the United States, London, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.”
Mary Anne Cooper, Port Moody
