Robson Square Renovations

[Migrant_Coconut]

Good point. If we want to ape Europe, can we at least ape their decorative tiling as well?

[officedweller]

The main body of the plaza is supposed to be in coloured tiles:

http://i.imgur.com/xLfH7pR.jpg
https://www.instagram.com/hapacobo/


Also see this:

http://i.imgur.com/6NuU4iW.jpg
https://www.instagram.com/hapacobo/

[mcminsen]

New sidewalk has been poured on the Howe Street side.



April 3 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/apvrys.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poapvrysj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/gLPzc6.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pngLPzc6j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/13t4Cm.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/po13t4Cmj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/URk4zA.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnURk4zAj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/AWLffl.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnAWLfflj)

[mcminsen]

I'm noticing now how much the white bus shelter/pavilion obscures the view of the Art Gallery from Howe Street. I'm also wondering how much the forest of new trees along the west side of the plaza (along Hornby Street) is going to eventually obscure the view from Hornby Street.



April 12 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/xpJ4Gr.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnxpJ4Grj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/arEM6q.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmarEM6qj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/TeEOM4.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnTeEOM4j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/IdAtjL.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmIdAtjLj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/kEjUra.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnkEjUraj)

[mcminsen]

Some of the new plantings along the Howe Street side.



April 12 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/JiXL5K.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnJiXL5Kj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/3DIVXf.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pm3DIVXfj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/plSsnT.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poplSsnTj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/O5oiif.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmO5oiifj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/NLKUHF.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poNLKUHFj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/GqS0bM.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnGqS0bMj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/Liu1Gl.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnLiu1Glj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/S5Duqh.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poS5Duqhj)

[trofirhen]

Looking good. Love the magnolia trees!! Perfect choice, as they once grew on the front lawn priorto 1967; ... plus they're just plain ol' fashioned beautiful.

[nickbeaulieu]

Ya, I'm not a huge fan of the bus shelter.

[Prometheus]

To add insult to injury, the stupid, pointless superstructure of the shelter blocks out the view of the great building itself as you approach the site from the east on Georgia. Utterly moronic and infuriating. Whoever thought this feature was a good idea (and approved it) is an idiot.

[trofirhen]

To add insult to injury, the stupid, pointless superstructure of the shelter blocks out the view of the great building itself as you approach the site from the east on Georgia. Utterly moronic and infuriating. Whoever thought this feature was a good idea (and approved it) is an idiot.

Wasn't it supposed to have a 'dual purpose' of some sort? A 'cozy' shelter, or a an interior lighting gizmo? But as you say, sho' is ugly and stupid.
Now there'll need to be a campaign to level it out. Vancouver always seems to need 'gimmicks' to go with everything. They can't leave well enough alone.:2cents:

[officedweller]

I noticed that about the shelter too.
Seems rather silly given that the fins at the top serve no purpose other than "design".

Probably explains why you never saw a street level perspective rendering from that angle.

The magnolias look great.

Still wondering what the other "flowering" trees (according to the renderings) are along Georgia.
They don't look like cherry trees to me (they could be plum trees) - so they could have bailed on the flowering trees (?).

[EdinVan]

To add insult to injury, the stupid, pointless superstructure of the shelter blocks out the view of the great building itself as you approach the site from the east on Georgia. Utterly moronic and infuriating. Whoever thought this feature was a good idea (and approved it) is an idiot.

An utter abomination.

[EdinVan]

Amazing how much ugliness there is in the background. If you squeezed the Nordstrom building in, it would be even worse. When it comes to architecture, this is a sad, sad city.

Some of the new plantings along the Howe Street side.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/NLKUHF.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poNLKUHFj)

[retro_orange]

An utter abomination.

I give it 10 years max before it's neglected and awful or heavily altered or removed completely and replaced.

All the fins and white paint will also make it susceptible to getting dirty quickly and I doubt it would get a power washing more than once a year. Future mess.

[trofirhen]

Amazing how much ugliness there is in the background. If you squeezed the Nordstrom building in, it would be even worse. When it comes to architecture, this is a sad, sad city.

As you're from Montreal (correct?) I can see why you say that. There, the buildings are smart and elegant, and there is a 'cohesiveness' to downtown which Vancouver lacks.
But take a look at Seattle. There, big huge buildings stand cheek-by-jowl with vast parking lots, and the zoning permits KFC and fast-food next to tall
office and residential buildings. There are some big impressive buildings, but generally it's more of a jarring mish-mash than Vancouver IMO.

[mcminsen]

May 1 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/ZElUqp.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmZElUqpj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/VTQSnk.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnVTQSnkj)

[officedweller]

Thanks.
I do see the pattern for each colour paver
- but I think it would have been better without the light gray rectangular ones.

[csbvan]

Nice access!

Thanks for the pics. I think that the coloured/patterned tile looks great.

[EdinVan]

As you're from Montreal (correct?) I can see why you say that. There, the buildings are smart and elegant, and there is a 'cohesiveness' to downtown which Vancouver lacks.
But take a look at Seattle. There, big huge buildings stand cheek-by-jowl with vast parking lots, and the zoning permits KFC and fast-food next to tall
office and residential buildings. There are some big impressive buildings, but generally it's more of a jarring mish-mash than Vancouver IMO.

Toronto, actually. Anyway, it's sad that when we talk about Vancouver's many shortcomings, we often say, "Well, at least it's not as bad as other cities." <Sigh>

[trofirhen]

Toronto, actually. Anyway, it's sad that when we talk about Vancouver's many shortcomings, we often say, "Well, at least it's not as bad as other cities." <Sigh>

Slightly off-thread, but what would you say are really smart and well-designed cities in North America, for comparison?
Montreal? San Francisco? Toronto? Any others we could emulate a little?

[Vin]

Love the tiles.

Speaking of elegance, once the square is completed, they better remove those model ships perched on top of the roof, and that tarp thing on the roof east of the cafe. Those really soil this heritage building.


By comparison, Toronto's Union Station building and the front plaza got renovated recently and they are very simple but exquisite elegance.....

From SSC:
Wow, loving the new all-granite plaza in front of Union Station. It is absolutely grand looking and will provide a fantastic new public space for events. I'm quite gobsmacked at how beautifully they have achieved it, and at the quality of the materials:


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j251/dawnd_01/WINTER%202012-2013/SPRING%202013/Early%20Summer%202013/Summer%202013/Winter%202013-2014/IMG_6165%20%20i%20July%2001%202015%20Front%20Street%20Union%20Station%20Plaza_zps2y3vlhtp.jpg



http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j251/dawnd_01/WINTER%202012-2013/SPRING%202013/Early%20Summer%202013/Summer%202013/Winter%202013-2014/IMG_6212%20%20i%20July%2001%202015%20Front%20Street%20Union%20Plaza_zpsywcndwet.jpg



http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j251/dawnd_01/WINTER%202012-2013/SPRING%202013/Early%20Summer%202013/Summer%202013/Winter%202013-2014/IMG_6204%20%20i%20July%2001%202015%20Front%20Street%20Union%20Station_zpsi58gubos.jpg



http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j251/dawnd_01/WINTER%202012-2013/SPRING%202013/Early%20Summer%202013/Summer%202013/Winter%202013-2014/IMG_6213%20%20i%20July%2001%202015%20Front%20Street%20union%20plaza_zpsvibpzii7.jpg


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j251/dawnd_01/WINTER%202012-2013/SPRING%202013/Early%20Summer%202013/Summer%202013/Winter%202013-2014/IMG_6200_zpsud9r1dmx.jpg

the mosaic like paving of the street:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j251/dawnd_01/WINTER%202012-2013/SPRING%202013/Early%20Summer%202013/Summer%202013/Winter%202013-2014/IMG_6196_zpsha14gcrd.jpg



the old clock is back:



http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j251/dawnd_01/WINTER%202012-2013/SPRING%202013/Early%20Summer%202013/Summer%202013/Winter%202013-2014/IMG_6177%20%20i%20July%2001%202015%20Front%20Street%20Union%20Station%20Plaza_zpssotvobco.jpg



http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j251/dawnd_01/WINTER%202012-2013/SPRING%202013/Early%20Summer%202013/Summer%202013/Winter%202013-2014/IMG_6174_zpsyins4nx1.jpg

[jollyburger]

A few of the fins on the bus shelter seem to already be leaning. I wonder if they are still adjusting them.

[Vancouver_Highrise]

I walked by the other day and noticed there was a public toilet being installed behind the vault stairs....

[officedweller]

Pic by me yesterday.
Trees being planted near the NW corner.
Looks like there are some long benches breaking up the rows of trees.

http://i.imgur.com/PqiRzIZ.jpg

Feb.12 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/YYCIOx.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnYYCIOxj)

***********

PS there's water flowing in the waterfalls south of Robson St.

[jollyburger]

It will be interesting to see how they clean the paving stones but the contractors are doing a great job with the rusty fence supports and scratching them up.

[officedweller]

There'll be chewing gum all over it soon enough.

**************

May 19th:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DANvFcOVwAANKSP.jpg
Finishing touches on the @VanArtGallery grounds. Great-looking and long lasting, decorative concrete pavement @Lafarge_Canada
https://twitter.com/KenCarrusca

[trofirhen]

From close up, the paving stones may give a 'random' or 'busy' look, but once finished, if judging by the aerial shot, there is a smart symmetry to it all.
Now just get rid of that crazy, ugly bus stop. I think public opinion may cause it to be brought down sooner than later when the blockage of the view of it all sinks in.
I wouldn't mind a discreet cappuccino bar, maybe, or that oh-so-touristy apéritif at the plaza effect with the Martini or Cinzano umbrella and small tables.

[LeftCoaster]

I think we'll see a lot of food trucks post up in and around the square which is a much more west coast way to animate the square. Should be a top notch space when it's finished.

[mcminsen]

May 24 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/C3EAUV.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmC3EAUVj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/AFVKCW.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmAFVKCWj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/nHBOOJ.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnnHBOOJj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/FjesD2.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poFjesD2j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/4WGBbd.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pm4WGBbdj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/LEnXfe.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmLEnXfej)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/QKPniO.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poQKPniOj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/WvOX6p.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnWvOX6pj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/wSRRHu.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmwSRRHuj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/oTHuJK.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pooTHuJKj)

[mcminsen]

May 24 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/jMhE8B.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pojMhE8Bj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/UbM25X.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmUbM25Xj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/rjVC2m.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmrjVC2mj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/zfiPYh.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pozfiPYhj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/rySXIZ.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnrySXIZj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/GIlB15.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmGIlB15j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/aqzaFp.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poaqzaFpj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/AGnmf6.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnAGnmf6j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/9jGKGI.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn9jGKGIj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/ssU2j0.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/possU2j0j)

[SpongeG]

great updates.


Whats the official opening date again?

[EdinVan]

A few of the fins on the bus shelter seem to already be leaning. I wonder if they are still adjusting them.

Hopefully they'll just take them down altogether.

[officedweller]

great updates.


Whats the official opening date again?

Last February...
delayed due to the rains and steam tunnels, they say.

Art Gallery North Plaza construction months behind schedule
http://www.cknw.com/2017/05/26/art-gallery-construction-running-late-but-not-over-budget/

[mcminsen]

Last February...
delayed due to the rains and steam tunnels, they say.

Art Gallery North Plaza construction months behind schedule
http://www.cknw.com/2017/05/26/art-gallery-construction-running-late-but-not-over-budget/



Thanks for the link to that article. Here's a rendering from there compared to one of my pics.




http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/FqIrtk.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmFqIrtkj)
source: http://www.cknw.com/2017/05/26/art-gallery-construction-running-late-but-not-over-budget/



May 24 '17, my pic
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/linRK6.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmlinRK6j)

[trofirhen]

Kinda too bad the lions aren't lit up a bit more. As for that bus stop ......
... another small jewel is the King Edward fountain. I hope it gets the care and presentation that it deserves.

[SpongeG]

it was pretty hidden before with the trees and stuff, it should get more exposure now, its a nice little fountain

[nickbeaulieu]

Did they move the fountain out from against the building?

[trofirhen]

Did they move the fountain out from against the building?

Not in recent years, (although I believe before 1967 it was on the front side of the building) ... It's been where it is, but chipped, cracked, and unlit, no one much seemed to notice or appreciate it

[osirisboy]

Did they move the fountain out from against the building?

It does seem closer to the sidewalk now

[VancouverOfTheFuture]

(although I believe before 1967 it was on the front side of the building) ... It's been where it is, but chipped, cracked, and unlit, no one much seemed to notice or appreciate it

yes, until the centennial fountain it was in the front and centre. this is a really good photo of it.

King Edward Fountain (http://scoutmagazine.ca/2014/10/06/you-should-know-on-the-paint-in-of-1966-the-end-of-the-centennial-fountain/#!prettyPhoto[1]/https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15273589390_920bd48ba0_b.jpg)

they could have moved it back to that location since they got rid of the other fountain.

[Vin]

Wow, the building and surroundings look almost modern. Notice the temporary flag pole with the Union Jack. This photo must be taken pre-World War 2?

[thefly]

Wow, the building and surroundings look almost modern. Notice the temporary flag pole with the Union Jack. This photo must be taken pre-World War 2?

Says 1907 in the caption

[nickbeaulieu]

Wow, the building and surroundings look almost modern. Notice the temporary flag pole with the Union Jack. This photo must be taken pre-World War 2?

caption says 1907.

I had no idea that fountain used to be there.

[jollyburger]

Says 1907 in the caption

Impossible considering King Edward VII died in 1910 and it's a memorial fountain. Installed in 1912 from what I've read.

[VancouverOfTheFuture]

Impossible considering King Edward VII died in 1910 and it's a memorial fountain. Installed in 1912 from what I've read.

the photo does say 1907 on the Vancouver archive website as well. i beleive that date is wrong though because the 1912 date seems right when the fountain was commissioned.

http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/uploads/r/null/7/7/770334/ec012dad-47b4-480e-9f56-897315662c09-A18148.jpg
Van Archive; same photo (http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/courthouse-and-king-edward-memorial-fountain-from-georgia-street)

my guess, though, this photo is very early maybe even WWI area because there are still houses on Hornby

[jollyburger]

Look at this flag pole they errected in 1913:

http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/uploads/r/null/b/2/b276e3fb836fe8f6ed33f627bbfb2c92ed57e3a0ca1bcb1564fed841989ab13c/50de6603-6d1f-4739-b8d2-09364da36a0d-A16096_141.jpg

http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/erecting-flagpole-at-courthouse

[jollyburger]

The court house was built from 1907-1911.

http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=7439

This 1907 dated photo seems accurate then.

http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/uploads/r/null/c/4/c4afed7eabfb395944fd847258ca157df0fe95051cc740601c096a84e2546d8a/1a40b2dc-8bda-4f06-87e4-230007ffdca2-A18108_141.jpg

http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/new-court-house-georgia-street-under-construction

Here's the entry with the incorrect 1907 date:

http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/courthouse-and-king-edward-memorial-fountain-from-georgia-street

[officedweller]

Pic by me today -

Stone bollards near the Howe/Georgia corner:

http://i.imgur.com/zG61knN.jpg

[officedweller]

From Milkovitch twitter June 8th:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DB0HmnRXgAAW7yi.jpg
https://twitter.com/MilkovichArch

[SpongeG]

not too bad, is that some kind of preview? for bloggers? they always seem to show up to those things

[Vanville]

My pic June 2:

https://s17.postimg.org/mm2pa4qdb/IMG_9030.jpg

[jollyburger]

not too bad, is that some kind of preview? for bloggers? they always seem to show up to those things

Architects and some of their friends.

[nickbeaulieu]

Are they planning on doing a cleaning job on the art gallery building? It looks super dirty in that photo

[officedweller]

My pic June 2:

https://s17.postimg.org/mm2pa4qdb/IMG_9030.jpg

Thanks.

It would have been nice if the designers had taken the time to design a symmetrical design in the paving centred on the front door axis.
But designers don't seem to think about details or context as much as they used to.

[LeftCoaster]

I think the design is trying to take the focus away from the front door (especially since it's no longer functional) and apply it to all of the "walls" this plaza interacts with.

[nickbeaulieu]

There's a huge white tent out there right now. I wonder what that's all about.

[SpongeG]

so much better without the trees

[jollyburger]

There's a huge white tent out there right now. I wonder what that's all about.

Plaza unveiling party probably.

[Vin]

If it's for an unveiling party, the huge white tent actually defeats the purpose.

[officedweller]

Yeah, that's one big tent.
It's basically an admission that the space is not suitable for a large gathering without a canopy.

EDIT: There's a sign on the Hornby side saying its for "VAG"s biggest gala of the year".
The Hornby entrance is being decked out with thousands of real red roses on the entrance canopy.

Also, the trees planted along the Howe St. side have small white flowers on them - not the cherry trees depicted in the renderings, but at least they flower.

Pic by me just now:

http://i.imgur.com/35ICzac.jpg

[mcminsen]

From this past Monday.



June 12 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/e7zdlt.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pne7zdltj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/yR4JvB.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmyR4JvBj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/gniFN1.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pngniFN1j)

[mcminsen]

June 27 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/2XKVS3.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn2XKVS3j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/FywSQm.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmFywSQmj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/AQsUYz.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnAQsUYzj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/T5ectb.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmT5ectbj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/GUOjvG.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poGUOjvGj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/gtoSxu.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pngtoSxuj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/b1eGYB.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmb1eGYBj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/5xbXma.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/po5xbXmaj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/ye7OMM.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnye7OMMj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/oe8fy7.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnoe8fy7j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/vXnlqg.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmvXnlqgj)

[VancouverOfTheFuture]

June 27 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/2XKVS3.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn2XKVS3j)

stupid bus shelter. the building is nicer then that thing. and those stupid ships and their huge advertising banner. that building is being abused. :(

[jollyburger]

The banner is fine, get over it.

[mcminsen]

Here are a few pics from back on June 17th when the big tent was in place.



June 17 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/Wag2u0.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmWag2u0j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/vBtwoa.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnvBtwoaj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/UAmC4A.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnUAmC4Aj)

[truenorth44]

Here are a few pics from back on June 17th when the big tent was in place.


What was the big tent event anyway? I didn't see it mentioned here - ah, nevermind, just scrolled down to see officedweller's edit:

EDIT: There's a sign on the Hornby side saying its for "VAG"s biggest gala of the year".
The Hornby entrance is being decked out with thousands of real red roses on the entrance canopy.

I felt that the Jazz Fest was more cramped for space than before! The stage was pushed in a lot by the treed area, and the beer garden by the bus shelter. The absence of the fountain freed up a lot of the space, of course, but it still felt a lot tighter. The crowd was packed in there! As an aside, the stage should be turned a bit more towards the stairs, which in the heat wave was the prime spot to watch from. Time to write a letter.

[officedweller]

Thanks!
I like the stools (apart from being tripping hazards).

The pavers seem to be raising in places already?

[nickbeaulieu]

It's kind of too bad that, with a large flat area of pavers like this, they couldn't custom make a manhole cover that isn't ugly as hell.

[nickbeaulieu]

I can't believe it's been almost a year that this has been under construction.

[SpongeG]

i read that it was supposed to open last saturday, did they push the opening back?

i love the ships on the building and the banners they use

[trofirhen]

If only it weren't for that crazy-ugly bus shelter. Why did they do that, anyway?
Is it cosidered aesthetic or what ???? And what are those toy ships doing on the VAG buiding?
(Temporary decorations, I hope:koko:)

[Changing City]

If only it weren't for that crazy-ugly bus shelter. Why did they do that, anyway?
Is it cosidered aesthetic or what ???? And what are those toy ships doing on the VAG buiding?
(Temporary decorations, I hope:koko:)

The ships aren't exactly new. They've been up there for 16 years. They're Ken Lum's "Four Boats Stranded: Red and Yellow, Black and White", installed in 2001.

"In the spring of 1999, as part of the millennium celebrations, the Gallery commissioned two new public artworks for the exterior and grounds. Four Boats Stranded: Red and Yellow, Black and White by the Vancouver artist Ken Lum is installed on the rooftop of the Gallery. The four boats are scaled-down versions of a First Nations longboat, Captain George Vancouver's three-masted sailing ship, the Komagata Maru (the ship carrying Indian immigrants that caused an international incident in 1914), and a cargo ship that recently carried migrants from China's Fujian Province to Vancouver. Lum has created a public artwork that serves as a cultural, geographical and historical marker. The work recognizes Vancouver as a port city, a place of arrival by sea, and a city of layered histories. Each elegantly simplified boat is painted a single colour that speaks to a colonialist stereotyping of cultural, racial and historical identification." (from the VAG website).

In case you haven't heard of him, these days Ken Lum is based in Toronto, but most recently he designed the East Van cross over the Grandview Cut on Clark Drive, and the scaled down Vancouver Special on display on Union Street.

[s211]

Each elegantly simplified boat is painted a single colour that speaks to a colonialist stereotyping of cultural, racial and historical identification." (from the VAG website).

:haha::haha::haha::haha::haha::haha::haha:

Nothing like a rail against stereotyping using a stereotyping of colonials.

[VancouverOfTheFuture]

the ships are dumb, time to get rid of them and leave the building unmolested. it is like the covered patio on the South East roof. it does take away from the building since it destroys the balance of the building.

and i wont get over the banner, it covers up the most impressive imposing part of the building.

[Migrant_Coconut]

the ships are dumb, time to get rid of them and leave the building unmolested. it is like the covered patio on the South East roof. it does take away from the building since it destroys the balance of the building.

Not going to happen - Ken Lum is seen by practically every local art snob as the second coming of Emily Carr.

[osirisboy]

The ships are fine for a year or so but 16 years!? That's long enough

[Metro-One]

:haha::haha::haha::haha::haha::haha::haha:

Nothing like a rail against stereotyping using a stereotyping of colonials.

Each color represents a different shade of irony and pretentiousness.

[jollyburger]

I think 90% of people who walk by the building never even notice the boats.

[retro_orange]

They really should be moved to a better location, they look so obtuse sitting up there and you can't appreciate them.

[trofirhen]

I think 90% of people who walk by the building never even notice the boats.

I hope you're right. They're an embarrassment, where they're located; a mockery of the Rattenbury building.

They really should be moved to a better location, they look so obtuse sitting up there and you can't appreciate them.

Can you imagine that in London or Amsterdam? They look ridiculous where they are. Please put them somewhere more appropriate; along the south steps or something.

[connect2source]

Agreed, time for ships to go but the banners are fine, all the top museums and galleries all over the world use similar style banners.

[Vantage]

Didn't know there could be this much rage over some boats:shrug:

[officedweller]

The boats look fine to me.
Apart from their "statement", they ad some whimsy to an otherwise traditional, staid looking building.

[Vin]

I really dislike the boats too. But they are still more bearable than the tarp on the roof patio on the other side of the building. Why do we have to make heritage buildings look so tacky?

[Prometheus]

I really dislike the boats too. But they are still more bearable than the tarp on the roof patio on the other side of the building.

That disgusting thing is the plastic media tent from the 2010 Winter Olympics.

[trofirhen]

I really dislike the boats too. But they are still more bearable than the tarp on the roof patio on the other side of the building. Why do we have to make heritage buildings look so tacky?

People will get angry at this, but too bad. It's because Vancouver is a new city, with less of an appreciation of its vestiges of past elegance than many, if not most cities.
They want 'funkiness' not refinement. As an example, look at Geoff Meggs and his sense of personal grooming and fashion. He'd probably say the ships look great perched where they are.
OK, fine. Now look at his taste in clothes and style of personal grooming. (sorry Geoff, nothing personal) but he's an example of the prevailing mentality in many circles here.
Others would say it's "politically" correct to display these boats representing this group or that group, with a complete disregard on how it scars the appearance of the building.
It's "groupthink" the local mentality. A similar parallel to why Vancouver focusses on totem poles (which is fine), boating and hiking but all but ignores music, whereas Seattle is a music city.
It boils down to taste, and there is taste here, but not an abundance of it.

[EdinVan]

What's with all the complaints about the boats? I've never even noticed them. But what I DO notice is the huge, hideous bus shelter/pavilion/whatever. That's what everyone should be up in arms about.

[Aroundtheworld]

What's with all the complaints about the boats? I've never even noticed them. But what I DO notice is the huge, hideous bus shelter/pavilion/whatever. That's what everyone should be up in arms about.

I know right? I thought that the 'bus stop' would be cafe, but it's not and I'm disappointed about it.

[trofirhen]

What's with all the complaints about the boats? I've never even noticed them. But what I DO notice is the huge, hideous bus shelter/pavilion/whatever. That's what everyone should be up in arms about.

Yes! What I can't understand is why the upper part is "elevated" on sort of vertical slats. This gives it its height and prominence, all capped by a flat roof. Big ugly view-blocker.
So why can't it have a normal, ceiling-level flat roof, and dispense with the dramatics??? Geez. A bus stop with a normal height and mostly glass/plexiglass walls would be better, imo.

[djmk]

Yes! What I can't understand is why the upper part is "elevated" on sort of vertical slats. This gives it its height and prominence, all capped by a flat roof. Big ugly view-blocker.
So why can't it have a normal, ceiling-level flat roof, and dispense with the dramatics??? Geez. A bus stop with a normal height and mostly glass/plexiglass walls would be better, imo.

IMHO, that bus stop should be Coast Salish inspired.

[s211]

IMHO, that bus stop should be Coast Salish inspired.

Cultural misappropriation!!!!

[trofirhen]

Cultural misappropriation!!!!
Heinz 57
IMHO, that bus stop should be Coast Salish inspired.

I appreciate your respect for the First Nations culture, but I don't think this is the place. The VAG building is neoclassical, and there are some formalist touches in the adjacent buildings.
Elsewhere? Yes!! But here, it would be sort of a mix of apples and shoe polish, IMHO. No disrespect intended. It would just be too much of a Baskin & Robbins multi blend.

[djmk]

I can see that, however, a nice wooden structure is way nicer than that white pole POS.

plus the VAG is all about emily carr....

[s211]

plus the VAG is all about emily carr....

The main reason I gave up my VAG membership a few years ago. It's as if their sole purpose of existence is perpetuating her myth.

[VancouverOfTheFuture]

IMHO, that bus stop should be Coast Salish inspired.

it wouldn't fit the building, it should compliment the building. those fins are dumb. it should have been simple.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/59/f1/6c/59f16c64706bd92a5822e1b4c0eeaeb6--wood-composite-wood-architecture.jpg

maybe something like that. it would fit in with the wood theme of BC plus it is lower to the ground and has the same styling as Vancouver's current bus stops with the angled roof. its a blend of Canada-Line, Evergreen, and bus stop design. it also wouldn't block the view of a Francis Rattenbury building.

[Spork]

Maybe something like these?

http://www.cnn.com/travel/article/soviet-bus-shelters/index.html?gallery

:D

[madog222]

Maybe something like these?

http://www.cnn.com/travel/article/soviet-bus-shelters/index.html?gallery

:D

Number two looks oddly familiar.

[trofirhen]

Maybe something like these?

http://www.cnn.com/travel/article/soviet-bus-shelters/index.html?gallery

:D

I like the first one: the big seashell done in mosaic tiles. Rather lyrical and beautiful IMO.

[Vin]

I think 90% of people who walk by the building never even notice the boats.

If that's the case, that same 90% of people don't care much about architecture or heritage structure preservation.

[officedweller]

Pic by me today.

http://i.imgur.com/ooKIJh9.jpg

[mcminsen]

July 11 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/IRerYk.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmIRerYkj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/55SdaH.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn55SdaHj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/d9YZi7.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmd9YZi7j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/uqPJOT.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmuqPJOTj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/MNbuTy.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnMNbuTyj)