Feature Event – Tall Buildings and Sustainable Design – Tonight

Proposed development at 1400 Howe. Architect: Bjarke Ingels

There’s an interesting lecture taking place this evening at SFU Harbour Centre – on the subject of tall buildings. This is a topic that gets both advocates and detractors passionate… and tonight’s event promises to be a good discussion.

It’s sponsored by the City of Vancouver’s Urban Design Panel. Here’s the official word, courtesy of a press release that was sent out yesterday:

Renowned architects participate in lecture and Urban Design Panel review of proposed highrise

Internationally recognized architects will discuss tall buildings and sustainable design at a public lecture and participate the next day in a special session of the Urban Design Panel to share their knowledge and expertise.

The free public lecture will feature architects Stefan Behnisch (Stuttgart) and Peter Clewes (Toronto) who will speak about their work and observations on sustainability and architectural excellence, particularly as they relate to taller buildings.

When: Tuesday, April 10 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, 1400 Segal Room

Behnisch and Clewes will then join Vancouver architects Walter Francl and Mark Ostry and members of Vancouver’s Urban Design Panel for a technical review of a proposed highrise development at 1400 Howe Street at a special session of the panel.

The panel provides recommendations to Vancouver City Council and City staff on creating buildings that achieve the highest standards for sustainability and architectural excellence.

In 2011, Council approved a revised policy for high building proposals. Proposed buildings that significantly exceed existing height limits are subject to an enhanced review process which includes the addition of world-renowned architects to the Urban Design Panel.

The City continually reviews the design of tall buildings and their impact on the city skyline and designated public views, while considering development opportunities that advance sustainable design.