©2014 Denis Bouvier | denisbouvier.com
Gesamtkunstwerk is the lettering on the bronze-coloured panel on the side of the Mini Storage building facing the Howe St. ramp of the Granville Bridge. Loosely translated, this German word means the concept of a work or achievement which involves the skill of integrating all its components. If we think of an opera with the composer conducting the musical piece, and directing not only the orchestra and singers but seriously influencing the stage set, costumes, auditory aspects of the theatre and taking close consideration of the make-up of his audience to weave a singular harmonious and esthetic result, this isgesamtkunstwerk.
On this rather bleak site at Howe St. and Beach Ave., there are some big players trying to implement this concept in the form of perhaps Vancouver’s most dazzling and ambitious new tower. The $400 million, 52-storey tower will have a triangular base to fit in a triangular space and then will twist its shape away from the Howe St. ramp and the Granville Bridge traffic to culminate in the upper levels having a rectangular shape. The windows are recessed and will give the building a honey-combed look. The balconies will incorporate a bronze trim, producing a metallic sheen. The overall effect has been described as a shimmering curtain being drawn aside to welcome people to Vancouver’s downtown core.
There have been some issues with height and shadowing, but the shape of the building itself prevents permanent shading in the area, shrinks the footprint for tower construction and helps retain sight lines for drivers. Certainly this is a welcome departure from Vancouver’s uniform sea of blue and green glass rectangular towers. One of the main players is the designer, renowned young Danish architect Bjarke Ingels. He believes architecture should consider social, cultural, economic and political issues, especially sustainable development and renewable energy. His company Bjarke Ingels Group, BIG, thinks like its acronym. His partner in Vancouver is DIALOG, a Canadian architectural firm in harmony with BIG’s principles. Some of DIALOG’s projects include Granville Island’s redevelopment, the new addition to the CBC building, the UBC Student Union building and several Canada Line stations. The developer is Westbank Corporation, whose projects include the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, the Shangri-La Residence/Hotel, Woodwards and the developing Telus Garden.
To further implement the lofty ideals stated above, there will be a mix of owned and rented units, retail and office space, including grocery, liquor and drug stores, and childcare services. The main tower will contain mainly owned units while a 10-storey podium beside it will accomodate rentals and office space. Two 6-storey triangular structures, one located between the Howe St. ramp and the Granville Bridge and the other between the Granville Bridge and the Seymour St. ramp will be for office and retail. For environmental standards, the buildings will work towards LEED Gold certification and have green roofs. Along with 609 vehicle parking stalls, 723 bicycle parking spaces are planned. Finally, for community enrichment, the derelict area around the project under the Granville Bridge will be transformed into a public space that will enhance the vibrancy of the area. Planned and possible uses include retail, restaurants, beer gardens, drive-in movies and an outdoor gallery installation on the underside of the bridge.
The project is expected to be completed in 2016. For detailed pictures of the proposed site: www.vancitybuzz.com/2013/10/beach-and-howe-tower-bjarke-ingels
