Vancouver’s natural landscape profoundly influences its architectural ethos. Characterized by the juxtaposition of ocean, mountains, and forest, this relationship is observed in works such as the Museum of Anthropology by celebrated Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, whose design embodies this harmony with its expansive windows framing vistas of sea and sky, while the raw concrete structure echoes the rugged landscape it sits on.
Looking at more contemporary projects, the Vancouver House by Danish firm Bjarke Ingels Group epitomizes this fusion with its distinctive form echoing the surrounding mountains while maximizing its urban site and views of the ocean. Another project, the Polygon Gallery by local studio Patkau Architects’ sits along the waterfront, harnessing natural light and views to enhance the gallery experience, forging a symbiotic relationship between art and environment.
In Vancouver, architecture doesn’t impose on nature; it celebrates and honors it, resulting in a built environment that’s both awe-inspiring and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Onwards!
Contemporary Architecture
Vancouver House
Practical Information
Architect: BIG Architects
Built: 2019
Type: Residential
Address: 1480 Howe St, Vancouver, BC
Open to the Public: No
Polygon Gallery
Practical Information
Architect: Patkau Architects
Built: 2017
Type: Gallery
Address: 101 Carrie Cates Ct, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3J4
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Open Thursdays to Sundays – refer to website
Website: https://thepolygon.ca/
Vancouver Convention Centre
Practical Information
Architect: LMN, Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership , DA Architects & Planners
Built: 2009
Type: Convention Centre
Address: 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3C1
Open to the Public: Yes
Website: www.vancouverconventioncentre.com
Alberni
Practical Information
Architect: Kengo Kuma & Associates
Built: 2023
Type: Residential
Address: 1568 Alberni St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1A5
Open to the Public: No
UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Practical Information
Architect: Saucier + Perotte Architectes
Built: 2012
Type: Institutional
Address: Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
Open to the Public: No
Jameson House
Practical Information
Architect: Foster + Partners
Built: 2012
Type: Housing
Address: 838 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 0A6
Open to the Public: No
UBC Earth Sciences Building
Practical Information
Architect: Perkins + Will
Built: 2011
Type: Institutional
Address: 2260 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4
Open to the Public: No
AMS Nest
Practical Information
Architect: DIALOG, B+H
Built: 2015
Type: Institutional
Address: 6133 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
Open to the Public: No
Langara College Library and Classroom Building
Practical Information
Architect: Teeple Architects
Built: 2011
Type: Institutional
Address: 6655 Ontario St, Vancouver, BC V5X 3B2
Open to the Public: No
Newton Library
Practical Information
Architect: Patkau Architects
Built: 1992
Type: Library
Address: 13795 70 Ave, Surrey, BC V3W 0E1
Open to the Public: Temporary closed
Hours: n/a
Website: www.surreylibraries.ca/
VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre
Practical Information
Architect: Perkins + Will
Built: 2011
Type: Visitor’s Centre
Address: 5251 Oak Street at West 37th Avenue
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Seasonal. Refer to website.
Cost: Spring/Winter/Fall $8, Summer $11
Website: www.vandusengarden.org
Modern Architecture
Museum of Anthropology
Practical Information
Architect: Arthur Erickson
Built: 1976
Type: Museum
Address: 6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Daily 10-5pm
Cost: $18
Website: www.moa.ubc.ca
Vancouver Public Library
Practical Information
Architect: Moshe Safdie, DA Architects
Built: 1995
Type: Museum
Address: 350 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Monday to Thursday 10-9pm, Friday to Sunday 10-6pm
Cost: Free
Website: www.vpl.ca
Robson Square
Practical Information
Architect: Arthur Erickson
Built: 1983
Type: Civic Centre and Public Plaza
Address: 6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2
Open to the Public: Yes
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Campus
Practical Information
Architect: Arthur Erickson, Geoffrey Massey
Built: 1963
Type: University Campus
Address: 8888 University Dr, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6
Open to the Public: Yes
Architect: Perkins + Will
Built: 2011
Type: Visitor's Centre
Address: 5251 Oak Street at West 37th Avenue
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Seasonal. Refer to website.
Cost: Spring/Winter/Fall $8, Summer $11
Website: www.vandusengarden.org
Architect: Teeple Architects
Built: 2011
Type: Institutional
Address: 6655 Ontario St, Vancouver, BC V5X 3B2
Open to the Public: No
Architect: Foster + Partners
Built: 2012
Type: Housing
Address: 838 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 0A6
Open to the Public: No
Architect: DIALOG, B+H
Built: 2015
Type: Institutional
Address: 6133 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
Open to the Public: No
Architect: Perkins + Will
Built: 2011
Type: Institutional
Address: 2260 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4
Open to the Public: No
Architect: Arthur Erickson
Built: 1976
Type: Museum
Address: 6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Daily 10-5pm
Cost: $18
Website: www.moa.ubc.ca
Architect: Saucier + Perotte Architectes
Built: 2012
Type: Institutional
Address: Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
Open to the Public: No
Architect: Moshe Safdie, DA Architects
Built: 1995
Type: Museum
Address: 350 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Monday to Thursday 10-9pm, Friday to Sunday 10-6pm
Cost: Free
Website: www.vpl.ca
Architect: LMN, Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership , DA Architects & Planners
Built: 2009
Type: Convention Centre
Address: 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3C1
Open to the Public: Yes
Website: www.vancouverconventioncentre.com
