Tall & Urban News

A CAD$100 million (US$78,800) gift from the Audain Foundation to the construction of the Vancouver Art Gallery has precipitated a redesign of the project. This donation came with the precondition that the project design be updated to reflect feedback from First Nations peoples, given that the building will be built in their ancestral lands, according to The Architect's Newspaper. Since March 2021, indigenous artists such as Debra Sparrow, Chepximiya Siyam’ Janice George, Skwetsimeltxw Willard ‘Buddy’ Joseph, and Angela George have been acting as art and design consultants for the project.

The updated design from Herzog & de Meuron includes a new metal façade that is woven into a basket pattern. From the Coast Salish’s world view, the concept and design of the project represents both spiritual energy and protection. The façade also will act as a passive solar shade which will help the project reach the Passive House certification that is being targeted.

The project will contain 7,400 square meters (80,000 square feet) of exhibition space, a theater, research center, library, artists’ studios, a visual arts-focused preschool and daycare, and accommodations for visiting artists. There will also be a 3,700 square-meter (40,000 square-foot) public courtyard. Waterfront-adjacent land that was donated by the City of Vancouver will also be incorporated into the project.

The funding goal for the project was CAD $400 million (US$315,000) and after the donation from the Audain Foundation, CAD$160 million (US$126,000) remains. If funding goals are met, the project could break ground as soon as 2022. 

For more on this story, go to The Architect’s Newspaper.