Vancouver Museum of Contemporary Art
Vancouver, Canada
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
FIRST PLACE, ALFRED PREIS AWARD
1994 AIA HONOLULU STUDENT DESIGN AWARDS
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The design
of the museum incorporates the following objectives:
1. An architectonic form that symbolizes an outreaching gesture towards the public realm by way of a strong linear (entry) approach. 2. Vistas--as framed views--that connect the different galleries visually and to compel one to move through the different spaces. 3. Shifting and opening up of floor and ceiling planes to activate volumetric spaces. 4. An efficient space layout that takes into consideration functional and exhibit requirements as well as nodes, views, and traffic flow. |
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An Architectural
Investigation:
Collision of Two Orthogonal Systems. A major axis controls the general form of the building while a minor axis restrains the interior layout and other subordinate elements within the building. Lookout. This experimental space allows people to experience a different vantage point towards the neighboring trees; perhaps to some, a personal reminder of childhood memories of climbing trees and marveling at the world atop the tree branches(!). |
| The different
floor levels is a series of interpenetrating spaces and volumes that rise
vertically. This vertical movement of space finally opens up at the rooftop--an
exclamation point to the overall spatial experience. At the same time,
the grand atrium unifies all the different gallery spaces and becomes a
neutral space for visitors to return and reorient themselves inside the
museum.
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There are exciting interpenetrations of spatial volumes horizontally and vertically. Balconies look over other areas or wall openings frame adjascent galleries, creating a visual continuity and a sense of anticipation as one moves from one space to the next. The transition between each level is demarkated with intimate spaces that allow one to fathom the spatial quality of adjoining gallery spaces. |
