Profile – GBL Architects
GBL Architects is a Vancouver-based architectural firm, specializing in market housing, commercial space, mixed-use and non-market residential design. Since 1982, the company has played a significant role in shaping the urban landscape of Metro Vancouver. They have more recently expanded their boundaries and completed projects in Alberta. They have also participated in several housing and public space idea competitions – most notably the World Health Organization design competition for their headquarters in Geneva.
A profile in Business Elite Canada talks about GBL’s philosophy:
The company is heavily influenced by the concept of “Emergent Architecture”, something Stu Lyon, Principal at GBL Architects, described as “fresh and new”, a modern design theme that is reflective of a progressive future. It is one of the driving forces behind the success and uniqueness of the company.
“We’re invested in new technology and contemporary thinking in terms of the way we design our projects,” Lyon said.
From a creative and idealistic point of view, GBL Architects offers the following interpretation of their craft: “Emergent Architecture is fueled by the notion that great ideas exist just below the surface and within our reach. We are humbled by the reality that the final form of our buildings aren’t always defined by us, that good practice is the acknowledgement of a vast collection of forces that interact throughout the process of creation”.
From our first meeting with GBL, we knew we would work well together as a team – sharing the same company values and a quick understanding and distinct vision for the site.
Here’s an excerpt from a Vancouver Sun article on The Smithe, where Andrew Emmerson (the primary architect on The Smithe project) speaks to some of the building’s details.
“We wanted the units to benefit from the great views and access to daylight,” says architect Andrew Emmerson of GBL Architects. “We designed from the inside out knowing that we wanted to open up access to light and amenities.” he says.
While the condensed site could not accommodate a typical “tower and podium” design, GBL came up with a creative solution to maximize outdoor space.
“Above the commercial levels, we undercut the tower on the south/southwest edge of site and opened up 2,500 square feet of usable outdoor space and amenities. This outdoor area opens up to indoor amenities where a communal kitchen and dining area gives residents the opportunity to host social events,” says Emmerson.
The more than 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities include a fully equipped fitness space, a lounge and media room, barbecue, children’s play area and raised planters for green-thumb residents.
While City of Vancouver rezoning bylaws require multi-family buildings be designed to LEED Gold standards, Emmerson views those criteria as a minimum.
“Over 50 per cent of the building envelope will be insulated wall, maximizing the intake of natural light without creating a series of units that perform poorly from a thermal efficiency perspective,” he says. “Opportunities for view exposure and passive ventilation have been carefully integrated into every unit, with 80 per cent of typical tower level units benefitting from corner orientation,” he says.
In collaboration with the Boffo design team, thoughtful floorplans and common area spaces were developed and will soon be brought to life as construction progresses.
Other recent and notable GBL projects in the Vancouver area include 8X by Brenhill Development, 567 by Marcon, Strathcona Village by Wall Development, and 150 Robson Street by Amacon. View their full portfolio here.
Sources:
Business Elite Canada Magazine
Original article: The Province
Read original aricle here.