“What will stand out is the kind of communion between the citizens of this city and the Games.” – Jacques Rogge, President, International Olympic Committee, Wall Street Journal 2/26/10

Lindsay, Shaun, Shani, Apolo,  Bode, Kim Yu-Na, Nodar – we won’t forget you.  For sixteen days we’ve been together, watching, feeling, listening, cheering, holding our breath, and wishing we could do what you do.  Your unique courage, energy, joy and triumph made these Olympics another passing of the baton and also like no other.  You’re awesome.  And your hosts are awesome too.  It takes a special city to host the Olympics, and Vancouver opened their doors and opened their city to the world for 2010.  Thank you.

Now that the wonder, the glory, the adrenaline and the ceremonies are over, take some time to read The Challenge Series which details the planning and development of Millenium Water, the sustainable neighborhood that welcomed nearly 2,800 Olympic athletes during the Vancouver Games.  Edited by Roger Bayley, Design Manager of Millenium Water, whom KissMyCountry interviewed just before the Olympics, The Challenge Series is available online and in print, and details the extensive planning and effort that brought this ambitious project to life.  The Challenge Series is a thorough but approachable primer for anyone interested in sustainable planning and design  – and a testament to the dedication of Vancouver’s citizens to prepare and welcome the world for the 2010 Games.

Like the athletes themselves, the planners, architects, engineers and other professionals truly gave their best to build and create this special place.  All the individuals interviewed for The Challenge Series say it was the hardest – and best job they ever had.  This first Gold LEED™ Certified sustainable neighborhood in Canada will be returned to the City of Vancouver by VANOC on April 7, 2010.  My first stop when I get to Vancouver?   The Salt House, a historical building preserved in the new neighborhood.  Originally built in the 1930s to process salt brought from San Francisco, The Salt Building will house a brew pub and a coffee roaster.  I can’t wait to see it and walk where Olympic athletes lived for those special days.

The Challenge Series is filled with the history of Millenium Water as well as details about using sustainable principles for architecture, building, interior design, energy, and water conservation.  Readers will be surprised to learn the location holds great historical significance for Vancouver, and that winning the Olympic bid simply provided the opportunity and timetable for an idea that was 30 years in the making.   The use of sustainable principles is a well thought out plan to achieve the maximum efficiency possible in a comfortable and beautiful environment.

Urban planners in search of sustainable solutions are taking note of Vancouver’s accomplishments.  The Challenge Series will be translated into Mandarin, and Roger Bayley’s schedule is filled with invitations  to speak about how a city can incorporate sustainable design into future planning.   So, curl up with The Challenge Series and make sure you visit Millenium Water when you go to Vancouver.  And to Roger and his team, we wish you the best and look forward to staying in touch!