August 26th, 2016

New Iconic Architecture in Vancouver

It isn’t everyday that we see an addition to Vancouver’s skyline that doesn’t include a typical rectilinear shaped tower with a glass façade. For all of us design enthusiasts, we always hope that one day a unique architectural masterpiece will rise up in Vancouver and help put us on the map as a city with an appreciation for design. To our delight we are slowly seeing some progress with some exciting new towers going up in the next few years in the downtown area. Here are the three that we are keeping an eye out for!

Vancouver House

Already under construction, Vancouver House is a game changer. Designed by the Danish design giants Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and Canadian firm DIALOG, Vancouver House is the epitome of world-class architecture in Vancouver. With a triangular base that twists and expands this unique tower appears to defy gravity. Once it is completed in 2018, Vancouver House will energize the Beach Avenue and Howe Street location it sits on that has been a tight and dark wedge of space darkened by a bridge off-ramp for years. Also keep a lookout for the market-style area under the nearby Granville Street Bridge that Westbank will be implementing with a budget of 4 million dollars!

Vancouver House

Jenga

Providing a distinctive new entrance into Vancouver from Stanley Park and the North Shore is the proposed jenga-like tower at 1500 West Georgia Street. Designed by German architect Ole Scheeren, this unique tower will rise up 436 feet and feature rectangular blocks that protrude out of the upper levels connecting the indoor and outdoor environment. As Bosa Properties’ most architecturally ambitious project, the building will also have green features such as solar panels and will aim for LEED Platinum certification.

Jenga Tower

Alberni by Kuma

For his first tall building in North America, Japanese architect Kengo Kuma has designed a residential tower in Vancouver. With a curved silhouette created by two concave sides, the 43-storey condominium will be in the West End and is located near the entrance to Stanley Park. Through materiality, the design aims to convey a sense of connectivity and transparency using anodized aluminum and glass. Referencing traditional Japanese gardens, the building will be surrounded by trees and moss and reinforces the design that celebrates the presence of nature in Vancouver.

Alberni by Kuma