Bing Thom: the city loses a visionary

We are deeply saddened to hear of Bing Thom’s passing in Hong Kong earlier today.

Bing was a true gentleman, an icon, and architect of the highest caliber. He was also an early friend of the VPSN, and helped out with some of our best projects (including the launch of our Where’s the Square? design competition, pictured above).

Bing was always happy to chat about public space and the issues facing the city. We last sat down together earlier this year for a great conversation about Granville Island, Robson Square, and the North Plaza. Bing’s passion and creativity, coupled with his genial smile, was always catalytic and inspiring. He liked to dream boldly, while inviting others to join in the conversation.

We’ll miss you Bing. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the city.

To read more about Bing’s life and work, see articles on the CBC, Globe and Mail, and Vancouver Sun. But better than that, go take a look at the work he and his firm did locally – which includes the Chan Centre for Performing Arts, Sunset Community Centre, and the new Surrey City Centre Library and False Creek Yacht Club. As a young architect, Bing Thom also worked with Arthur Erickson on the design of Robson Square.