from the editor
Springtime
SPRING 2016 Vol. 16 No.4
www.designquarterly.ca PUBLISHER Dan Gnocato dang@mediaedge.ca Managing Editor Cheryl Mah Graphic Design Tang Creative Inc.
Spring is one of my favourite seasons. We live on a street lined with mature cherry blossom trees and every spring when the trees bloom, it’s a breathtaking sight of soft pinks. The pink canopy draws residents and visitors alike out for photos every year. Photography is another favourite — a hobby I enjoy when I can. Living in Vancouver means there are plenty of opportunities for amazing scenery shots of the mountains and water. Of course I’m also drawn to architecture. One current project that caught my eye was the residential Aperture project on West 41st and Cambie Street. Its distinctive building form is hard to miss. The building was designed by Arno Matis, a local Vancouver architect that focuses on engaging and forward thinking design that integrates architecture, urban planning, and landscape. Each project is carefully examined to ensure a responsive design to each site’s unique context and place. For our feature project, we take a look at a unique project in Kelowna. The Queensway Transit Exchange takes the everyday bus shelter and elevates it into a striking and vibrant landmark in the downtown core. It recently won VIA Architecture a 2016 Wood Works! BC Awards for its innovative use of wood. Also inside this issue are features on tile and stone and kitchen and bath. Experts share insights on versatile kitchen flooring, technology in the bathroom and other trends. Curious about virtual reality as a design tool? Read about VR and how one architectural firm is using it to enhance the design process with clients.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Loren Bergmann Karen Deel Karl Doucas Richard Moreno Ashley O’Neill Chris Salas Christopher Sparrow Sarah Ward B.C./ALBERTA SALES Dan Gnocato 604.549.4521 ext. 223
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Cheryl Mah Managing Editor cherylm@mediaedge.ca 4
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Spring 2016
The purpose of Design Quarterly is to reflect and represent practitioners and professionals in the architectural, interior design and design resource communities throughout British Columbia and Alberta.