Vancouver, the coastal city is located in Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. It is also named consistently among the top five livable cities in the world. The city is planned according to its own theory called Vancouverism. The city was earlier known as “Gastown” which further got renamed to Vancouver in 1886.
Here are 15 places every architect should visit when in Vancouver, Canada.
1. Vancouver Art Gallery
Originally built as provincial courthouse in 1931, the Vancouver Art Gallery got its identity in early 1980’s. It was first designed by Francis Rattenbury later the museum had undergone various renovations with were further lead by Arthur Erickson. The building is a magnificent example of art deco style in the region. Later, a new building design by the swiss firm Herzog de Meuron‘s firm was proposed as an additional structure, which was later executed Perkins and Will’s Vancouver branch.
2. Hotel Europe
The six storey heritage building was built in 1909 by Parr and fee architects. Located on a triangular plot, this building was the first reinforced concrete building in Canada and was built in flatiron style. The building was redesigned by A. Ingre and Associates as an affordable housing project in 1983.
3. Evergreen Building
Evergreen building is considered to be a landmark project of architect Arthur Erickson. The building is designed in complex trapezoidal site, respecting its context by its spatial characteristics with zigzag pattern balconies. The building depicts the ideology of architect of designing with nature fairly. The distinctive elements of the building like angled balconies, overflowing landscape, continuity of materials makes it a remarkable building in its region.
4. Woodwards Building
Built in 1903, Woodwards building has seen the rise and downfall of the Woodward’s department store. Though the building was demolished in 2006 as part of the city’s redevelopment process, a part of it is still preserved and has mixed use including residential and nonprofit offices. “W” sign on the top of the building was once referred to as a significant landmark in the city’s skylines.
5. Museum of Anthropology
Like many other buildings of the city, this building was designed by Arthur Erickson. Inspired by post and beam architecture or saying modern architecture the structure was significant in era and was built in 1976. His principle would mainly consist of connection with outdoors which he fulfilled by using 40ft large glass panel to connect with landscape around the building.
