BIG’s Beach + Howe Tower Wins Approval in Vancouver

Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)’s 700,000 square foot Beach + Howe development has been approved by the Vancouver City Council. Though concerns still remain regarding the height of the 52-story tower - which is intended to become the city’s fourth tallest building - an overwhelming majority of the council and public seems to be enthusiastic about the project.

“It meets the test at every respect — gorgeous architecture, turning a dead space into a vibrant public space with animation and job space. The housing is diverse and much needed... People have used the word iconic - I think it’s remarkable design to combine so many elements on a tough site,” stated Mayor Gregor Robertson before the vote. “It’s an extraordinary project that deserves strong council support.”

Commissioned by Canada’s real estate mogul Ian Gillespie of Westbank, Beach + Howe promises to add a foreign twist to Vancouver’s skyline and create a new identity for an undefined section of town at the fringe of the city’s residential area.

© Luxigon

The 52-story, glass tower comprised of 407 residential units will be perched on top a 10-story podium that offers retail and 95 residential market units on Howe Street. Neighboring it will be a cluster of six-story retail and office buildings occupying the disused, interstitial spaces found between the Granville Street Bridge’s entry and exit ramps.

© Luxigon

BIG proposes to transform these dismal spaces, which is unsurprisingly dominated by cars and avoided by human activity, into a cultural and pedestrian destination. Glass “prisms” will provide desirable retail and public space, while existing building facades and bridge surfaces will be converted into a dramatic outdoor gallery. In addition, Bjarke envisions the road which crosses below the bridge to become a host for outdoor markets, festivals and concerts. Impressed, panel member Peter Wreglesworth described the project as “whole composition that is urban art.”

© Luxigon
© Luxigon

The project will bring a total of 80,000 retail space to the area, including grocery, liquor and drug stores supported by 609 vehicle parking stalls and 723 bicycle parking spaces.

Additional Beach + Howe information and images can be found here.

Reference: Vancouver Courier

About this author
Cite: Karissa Rosenfield. "BIG’s Beach + Howe Tower Wins Approval in Vancouver " 31 Oct 2013. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/444757/big-s-beach-howe-tower-wins-approval-in-vancouver> ISSN 0719-8884

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