New Vancouver Art Gallery | Proposed

[ozonemania]

I have to admit my first impression was not very favourable.

It is however, after some reflection, a bit more appropriate than I initially thought.

It definitely doesn't scream Vancouver, it has no resemblance to any architecture that I'm familiar with in the city.

But, it is a bit subdued but also bold (like a Canadian), it uses wood -- that and its shape seems to evoke a reflection of Asian (ceremonial tower, like a shrine or pagoda) and First Nations aspects (totem pole). It's modern but doesn't betray itself to the current trends of slick glass and steel. It's organic, but ordered. It has simplicity and it outward-oriented, just like the city.

It really is like the architect is an outsider, interpreting what they see and hear about us.

I'm still not sure if I like it or not, but I think I can appreciate it in the objective sense.

Apart from big picture architecture, I've very interested to understand better how they are designing the street-level space, and human interaction with the building.