Jazz fans will be the first to crowd-test the new outdoor plaza in front of the 麻豆传媒映画Art Gallery.
There are still some finishing touches to complete the $9.6 million project but they won鈥檛 prevent hundreds of people from enjoying Saturday鈥檚 as part of the 麻豆传媒映画International Jazz Festival.
The Georgia Street plaza has been redesigned as a place where 鈥渁s many people can do as many things as possible,鈥� said 麻豆传媒映画councillor Heather Deal at the plaza鈥檚 soft opening on Thursday.
Designed to complement the Robson Street plaza on the south side of the gallery, the 45,000 sq. ft. north plaza can play host to large outdoor events such as the jazz festival or simply be a place downtown to rendezvous with friends. Many of the features, such as tables and benches, can be removed to clear the space.
With its 鈥渇ascinating history as a place for celebration, protest and discovery,鈥� the plaza is a 鈥渦nifying space鈥� for the city, said Ann Webb, the art gallery鈥檚 director of engagement and strategic initiatives. The project also provides the gallery with a welcome venue for large-scale installations.
The plaza is owned by the province but leased to the City of Vancouver, which worked with the Downtown 麻豆传媒映画BIA and art gallery on the project. The province contributed $514,000 to remove the fountain.
The project was done in two phases. The first involved replacing the water membrane, which was particularly important as there are several facilities below street level.
The core team for the plaza redesign is comprised of Nick Milkovich Architects, Hapa Collaborative, and Matthew Soules Architecture. The durable tile pattern, envisioned to look like a big carpet, was designed by Sarah Siegel of Hapa Architects.
