We don’t get many prominent non-Vancouver architects doing business in this city. Our best-known ones — Arthur Erickson, Bing Thom, James Cheng, Peter Busby, Gregory and Richard Henriquez — have generated a lot of star power on their own.
But the city is about to see a radically new element in its downtown fabric, with developer Ian Gillespie’s decision to bring in high-profile Danish architect Bjarke Ingels to do an unusual project next to the Granville Bridge.
I got to interview Bjarke and hear more from both him, Gillespie and city planners past and present about what they’re hoping this building will do.
A Revolutionary Approach to Urban Density
Ingels’ project represents a bold experiment within the framework of “Vancouverism” — the unique approach to urban planning that distinguishes our city from other metropolises. Where traditional towers reach skyward in straight lines, the Danish architect’s proposal plays with form and space, creating a building that literally twists from base to summit.
“We’re not just building another glass tower,” explains Ingels. “We’re creating an architectural response to Vancouver’s unique urban context.” His vision incorporates innovative use of public space at street level, integrating pedestrian pathways and creating new points of social interaction that honor the city’s commitment to livability.
Challenging Established Norms
Gillespie, known for his ambitious projects throughout the city, sees the collaboration with Ingels as an opportunity to expand the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable in Vancouver architecture. “We’re taking a risk, but it’s a calculated one,” he says. “The city needs architectural diversity to remain dynamic and attractive to investment.”
City planners note that the project will require careful balancing between innovation and existing planning principles. The building must not only impress visually but also functionally serve the needs of the growing downtown population, providing quality housing and commercial spaces while respecting the established urban fabric.
International Perspective Meets Local Sensibility
What makes this collaboration particularly intriguing is how Ingels approaches Vancouver’s unique constraints — the proximity to water, mountain views, and the need to maintain human scale at street level. His design philosophy of “hedonistic sustainability” aligns surprisingly well with Vancouver’s emphasis on environmental responsibility and quality of life.
The project promises to demonstrate that Vancouver can embrace bold architectural statements from international talents without losing its distinctive identity, potentially setting a new precedent for future development in the city.
