When the Vancouver Art Gallery revealed their conceptual design for a new building earlier this week, it was evidently a far cry from their current neoclassical courthouse. Gone are the ionic columns, ornate marble and porticos; instead, Swiss architectural firm Herzog and de Meuron has developed a soaring, wood-wrapped structure with boxy levels that recalls West Coast Modernism taken to new heights.
Caoimhe Morgan-Feir spoke with Kathleen Bartels, director of the Vancouver Art Gallery, and Christine Binswanger, partner at Herzog and de Meuron, about the proposed use of the new building, looming funding issues, construction deadlines and the public’s initial reactions.
BAC: We must say, it is nice to read an article that isn’t totally focused on the fundraising, giving it a negative slant.