New Perspectives: A Contemporary Addition to the Vancouver Art Gallery

Abstract

This thesis addresses the need for the Vancouver Art Gallery to expand to accommodate its large and ever-expanding art collection. Situated in the current debate of whether to expand on site or move to a new site altogether, this thesis proposes a contemporary addition to the existing neo-classical building which houses the current Art Gallery. To find opportunity in this historic setting, strategies involving scale and perspective, joining the old and the new, and strengthening the connection of art to the downtown core are explored. The site for this thesis is in central downtown Vancouver, BC. The new addition is located adjacent to the existing Vancouver Art Gallery on City Block 51, which is bounded by Robson, Howe, Hornby and West Georgia Streets.