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A high profile location, rich in First Nations historical relevance and sensitivity. Frequent visits by millions of tourists annually necessitated this visitors' pavilion and interpretive centre.
RESPONSE TO THE CHALLENGE
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Utilize site’s natural elements (earth, vegetation, totem poles, views) as the integral, contributing and “free of cost” building
components.
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Design a “natural space” not a utility building, with earth mounds, totem poles, existing mature trees and selected views and circulation pattern with hierarchy of relationships,
separating and at the same time connecting the functional with the interpretive while affording the dignity to the totem poles.
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Design a “see-through” building that blends into the nature and mature trees without competing for attraction with the totem poles and the natural character of the created space.
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A simple roof of beams and decking is designed to “float” above, supported by tree-like wood structures. A
glass between roof and the top of the walls encloses the concession and the washrooms.
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The open interpretive area is sheltered and protected from the elements of weather, but it is small enough to allow practically 360° views,
including a sky-view through a large skylight opening in the roof above.
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Site’s retention of drainage doubles as a water feature, “Pebble Beach," in front of the Totem Poles, providing a protective barrier around one of Stanley Park's main attractions.
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All planting material is indigenous to the area and gravel, boulders, large feature rocks and logs were extracted from 2nd Beach.
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