AEven in recessionary times when architects are scrounging for commissions and construction workers are collecting unemployment, the annual brag-and-nag fest Orchids & Onions must go on.

Held last week at Balboa Park's Hall of Champions, the San Diego Architectural Foundation's jury lauded the do-gooders with bouquets of orchids and slapped the slackers with bunches of onions. It's a San Diego tradition that dates back more than 30 years, one that has survived brickbats from critics and mean-spirited campaigns from unforgiving neighbors.

This time there were 20 Orchid and eight Onion recipients, some predictable, others rather silly. The top two prizes were well deserved.

The Grand Orchid went to the Lux Art Institute, which opened its $6 million Artist Pavilion just a year ago in Encinitas. Set at the edge of a nature preserve north of San Elijo Lagoon, it is an island of contemplative calm in car-mad suburbia.

“This peaceful setting is the perfect place to foster a meaningful relationship between the visiting artist and the environment,” the O&O jury said.

Designed by Chilean architect Renzo Zecchetto, the building is rather modest but has some notable features – an artist's apartment in the basement, an exhibition space where visiting artists make art while the public watches, and skylights in chimney-like extensions on the roof. The second phase Exhibition Pavilion will offer additional space.

“Well, I'm thrilled of course,” said founding director Reesey Shaw. “It's particularly gratifying because it was a challenging site and development project.”