1 minute read
Vancouver Waterfront Precinct Analysis
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Architect : James KM Cheng Architects
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Client: Cadillac Fairview
Summary
In 2012, the client hired Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill to design a class A office tower in one of the most historically sensitive sites in Vancouver. Whilst the proposed tower is well designed from an architectural standpoint, but its contemporary international style concept failed to address Vancouver’s heritage and culture. The proposal was rejected by the City of Vancouver multiple times and each revision, although improved on the urban design, continued to meet resistance.
In 2021, the client decided to notify the city staff to put the permit on hold and hired James KM Cheng Architects to be the new design architect. Although JKMCA was involved as a urban design consultant with the previous proposal, the client decided to put the local firm in charge of the design as a reaction to the need for a regional design strategy. How can we adopt a design strategy that engages with all major stakeholders to ensure a democratic process and create mutual understanding?
Objectives
• Understand the perspectives of all major stakeholders make allies in the redevelopment of the Central Waterfront District
• Propose a realistic implementation strategy with a high-level framework for the vision of the Central Waterfront District
• Design and submit a building proposal that has a strong narrative and responds to the sensitivities of the site
• Obtain a development permit from the City of Vancouver
Methodology
1. Timeline and Objectives
Identify Client Goals
Addressing Site Concerns
2. Site Analysis
Historical Context
Urban Design Principles
Transportation Studies
Place-Making Strategy
3. Design Narrative
Design Concept
Massing Studies
Sustainability Opportunities
4. Public Outreach
Stakeholders Workshops
Democratic Design Process
Design Charrette
Empathy Fieldwork
5. Refine Design For Submission
Response to Public Feedback
Schematic Design Drawing Set
