The Parq Vancouver Hotel and Casino is a 600 million dollar resort that was designed by IBI Group with collaborative work from Architecture49 and ACDF Architecture. The resort in its entirety is massive with two upscale hotels, a tourism complex which houses the convention and meeting centers, a rooftop spa, bars, restaurants and an over 72,000 square-foot casino.
Robert LaPierre, Principal at Architecture49 describes, “In a highly design and eco-conscious city, work began from the vantage point of Vancouver’s Cambie Bridge—and in making sure that our complex would blend with the mountain skyline. From the very first development assessments we made sure that the legacy of the urban resort would hold true to the spirit, values and cultural aesthetic of the Pacific Northwest.”
Photography ©Robert Stefanowicz
Similarly to how Architecture49 describes the area’s unique topography as a source of inspiration, the architects at ACDF elaborate describing, “The volume of the complex draws its inspiration from the Vancouver landscape: mountains, escarpments, gorges and valleys. The project’s spatial experience allows the City of Vancouver to be fully appreciated and enjoyed.”
Photography ©Robert Stefanowicz
IBI Group, the Architects of Record, refer to their LEED Gold resort as a “luxury haven in the heart of Vancouver.” They describe the design, as taking cues from the surrounding landscape, but more so the unification of the urban environment within its natural framework. They explain, “Predominantly clad in glass, the major building components will maintain a seamless dialogue and transparency with the urban environment while expressing a connection to its natural setting.”
Photography ©Robert Stefanowicz
Additionally, the building features a variety of modern building materials including zinc, fiber cement and Alucobond aluminum composite. Keith Panel Systems fabricated 80,000 square-feet of Alucobond aluminum composite material in naturAL Stainless, Market White and Statuary Bronze finishes. The material can be seen on the aqueous exterior entrance where it juxtaposes the metallic glass façade.
Building within an already established urban framework can be challenging, yet the architects’ work is a beautiful and complementary addition to Vancouver. The project had the potential to be colossal; instead it simply blends into the “cultural fabric” and ensures an endless wave of tourism and prosperity for the city.
information courtesy of IBI Group, Keith Panel Systems, Architecture49 and ACDF Architecture
Photography ©Robert Stefanowicz
