The Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG) has chosen a new architectural team to design its new building, rebooting a project that was previously scrapped due to increasing costs. Formline Architecture and Urbanism, a Vancouver-based firm, and KPMB Architects, a Toronto-based firm, were selected from among 14 Canadian architects. The new building will be located at Larwill Park in downtown Vancouver.
The VAG had previously partnered with Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, but the project was abandoned after costs increased from C$400m to C$600m. The institution had already invested around C$60m in the project. The new team is expected to deliver a preliminary design for the project next year.
The team comprises Formline Architecture and Urbanism, known for their Indigenous design vision, and KPMB Architects, who have a proven track record for creating world-class museums. Bruce Kuwabara, a founding partner of KPMB, has British Columbian roots and is excited to collaborate with Alfred Waugh and Formline to shape the future of the VAG.
Alfred Waugh, the founder and principal of Formline, says his team is deeply honored to receive the commission, which brings his personal journey full circle. According to Jon Stovell, the chair of the Gallery Association Board, the selection of Formline and KPMB is a bold statement supporting Canadian innovation and excellence.
The VAG has outgrown its current 165,000-sq.-ft location, a 1913 former courthouse. The new building project aims to provide a modern space for the museum to showcase its collections and exhibitions.
