Public design competition launched for Woodward's atrium centrepiece

Public design competition launched for new Woodward's atrium centrepiece

The atrium of Woodwards. (Westbank)

The developer and architect of the city block-sized Woodward’s complex in downtown Vancouver have launched a public design competition to add a new structure to the glass-enclosed atrium.

Coinciding with the 10-year anniversary of the completion of the Woodward’s redevelopment, Westbank and Henriquez Partners Architects are looking for a suitable design for a structure that will increase the diversity of events that can be held inside the atrium by “challenging the current restrictions that the space presents.”

The structure must be multi-purpose, modular, transportable, and, of course, aesthetically pleasing.

Entrances into the London Drugs and Nester’s Market stores are located in the indoor plaza, which currently includes bench seating and a single basketball net.

Three prizes will be awarded in the ‘Not-A-Black-Box’ competition; a $10,000 prize will be awarded to the winner, as well as a $5,000 award for second place and $3,000 for third. The designers for the selected design will also be provided with an additional $5,000 to oversee the construction of their structure.

The designs will be evaluated by Westbank founder Ian Gillespie, architect Gregory Henriquez, and local artist Stan Douglas.

Registration ends on April 11, design submissions are due on May 9, and a winner will be announced on May 29.

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