The Vancouver Art Gallery has announced an architectural team to lead the next phase of design for its new building.
Formline Architecture + Urbanism and KPMB Architects has been selected as the architectural team from proposals submitted by 14 leading Canadian firms following an in-depth review and interview process.
This came after the institution cancelled plans for a new gallery designed by Swiss firm Herzog and de Meuron in December.
“The selection of Formline and KPMB to envision the new gallery is a bold and topical statement supporting Canadian innovation and excellence,” said Jon Stovell, board chair.
“KPMB Architects brings a proven track record for creating elegant, world-class museums that centre art and community, while B.C.–based Formline Architecture + Urbanism leads with an Indigenous design vision that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition.”
Sirish Rao and Eva Respini, interim co-CEOs of the Vancouver Art Gallery, said: “The Vancouver Art Gallery is the cultural memory keeper of British Columbia and holds a unique position in the Pacific Northwest.
“This is the largest cultural infrastructure project in Vancouver in over 30 years and we are thrilled to partner with Formline + KPMB to work towards a gallery that supports storytelling, convening, innovation and access to art and ideas.”
Formline and KPMB to design new gallery
Located at Larwill Park in downtown Vancouver, the new purpose-built gallery will be a cultural hub and architectural landmark.
Alfred Waugh, founder and principal of Formline Architecture + Urbanism, said: “Now we have been privileged with this opportunity to celebrate Vancouver’s vibrant culture while honouring the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded this land for generations and paying tribute to the beautiful mountains and lush rainforests that define our region.”
Earlier this year, the Vancouver Art Gallery laid off around 30 unionised employees, as well as a number of non-union staff, due to “unsustainable annual deficit”.
Images courtesy of Vancouver Art Gallery
