New Vancouver Art Gallery | Proposed

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by osirisboy

I don't like that at all

For an art gallery? No, no, no ... please.

[Vanelevatorman]

That siding looks hideous! Absolute NO in my humble opinion!!!

[retro_orange]

Originally Posted by Vanelevatorman

That siding looks hideous! Absolute NO in my humble opinion!!!

I really feel after 30 years we will regret building this dull structure with plain wood siding and have to spend almost another billion on another facility that will age better. We could be spending the money on the post office building and possibly earn some of the funding for the gallery by maximizing the potential for the office tower expansion. Then possibly have a new park where the big parking lot currently is with outdoor sculptures and art in the park artist sales.

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by retro_orange

I really feel after 30 years we will regret building this dull structure with plain wood siding and have to spend almost another billion on another facility that will age better. We could be spending the money on the post office building and possibly earn some of the funding for the gallery by maximizing the potential for the office tower expansion. Then possibly have a new park where the big parking lot currently is with outdoor sculptures and art in the park artist sales.

I'm convinced that the huge, brutalist PO building could be transformed in a super-dramatic way.

[retro_orange]

Originally Posted by trofirhen

I'm convinced that the huge, brutalist PO building could be transformed in a super-dramatic way.

Definitely, im really not impressed with its proposed conversion to retail space. A vast open steel structure like that is rare in our concrete city. Retail can go anywhere but the steel structure would make for easy interior alterations for changing gallery space in comparison to a concrete one. (Or oddly shaped wood one) I think my biggest beef with the new building is its been sooooo done before. Theres nothing really unique about it, especially for the cost.

[huenthar]

hmmm... looks like an 8-bit mushroom

[VancouverOfTheFuture]

this building actually reminds me a bit about this proposal. specifically the piece on the north-west corner of this image. it looks a bit similar with the wood and the boxes, but i think the proportions are better in this building.


http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2013/01/another-great-proposal-for-the-vancouver-art-gallery-relocation/

[hipster duck]

The COS store in Toronto is made of a dark wood paneling that reveals scratches and looks cold and drab.

From the VAG renderings, it looks like it will be more of a bright wood laminate that actually conveys a sense of warmth.

I'll admit that I've never seen a building of the VAG's size that has received exterior wood paneling, but that's part of the audaciousness of this project that I really admire.

[trofirhen]

The thing I appreciate most about this VAG prospect is the use of the land between the off-ramps. Smart.
The predestrain walkway into both levels (am I correct?) seems good, too.
The only thing I find a bit disappointing is the small, tight, buildings. Something larger and more graceful is warranted IMO.

[jlousa]

The upgrades that will be taking place on the North plaza of the current VAG.

800 West Georgia Street (Vancouver Art Gallery - North Plaza) - DE418585

Nick Milkovitch Architects has applied to the City of Vancouver for permission to provide exterior alterations to the existing North Plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery.

The proposal includes the following:

Regarding and resurfacing the entire plaza with precast concrete and stone pavers;
Removal of the fountain;
Removal of retaining walls, driveway and gates;
Installation of a new pavilion to replace the former Howe Street bus shelter; and
Alterations to the existing landscaping.

A community open house is scheduled from 5:00 - 8:00 pm on Thursday, November 26 , 2015, at 800 Robson Street - UBC (entrance next to the Skating Rink) with the applicant team and City staff available to answer any questions.

[LeftCoaster]

So with the DE any news on what the final selected design will be?

[Rocketeer]

Saw a new proposed design from this link for the north plaza:

https://twitter.com/DowntownCharles/status/667044095823491072/photo/1

[osirisboy]

Oh wow so nice to see them take out those overgrown trees that cover the front of the building. Looking forward to seeing this come together.

[mcminsen]

I like it. :-)

[Pinion]

Image is too small to see any detail.

[officedweller]

Nice to see the big floating ring isn't there.

I wonder if they'll actually be able to grow a tree directly in front of the current flower bed
- there was one there, but the steam vents (I assume) played havoc with the tree and it died, so they paved over the tree well.

Although the plaza is used actively, I could see a Nathan Phillips Square scenario where something is added to the vast expand of paving to add interest
(i.e. to replace the fountain they are going to remove?)



https://twitter.com/DowntownCharles/status/667044095823491072/photo/1

[LeftCoaster]

The plans are posted on the city's website.

Here is a screenshot of the N Plaza


http://i.imgur.com/fKtHZ4P.png

I like the open space and true plaza of it. Kind of wish there was a little something making this special though. Concerns me that Yonge/Dundas square was used as a precedent though.

[officedweller]

It's also a shame that the massive magnolia at the corner of Hornby & Georgia will be cut down (it's not shown in the plans).

I don't think the replacement trees are flowering varieties (other than farther south on Howe)

[Prometheus]

The lack of a new central fountain or wading pool is unacceptable for a civilized society. In addition to being beautiful (especially in front of a neo-classical building), they provide open public spaces like this with a sense of destination, a joyful focal point where children and adults can rest, play and cool their feet. They bring refreshing life and animation to what would otherwise be a very hot, dry, sterile and exposed exapanse during summer.

Imagine how inferior the Mill Bistro patio area in Coal Harbour would be without the delightful water fountains and the children running through them.

[officedweller]

Yeah, it seems quite similar to the QE Theatre Plaza.