landscape rationale - vancouver · front yard landscape creates layers of plantings composed to...

23 Beach Towers Rezoning Application 1600 Beach Avenue & 1651 Harwood Street, Vancouver BC September 14th 2011 IBI / HB Architects 700 –1285 West Pender Street Vancouver BC V6E 4B1 Canada tel 604 683 8797 fax 604 683 0492 Landscape Rationale The infilling of the site will provide a significant opportunity to reconsider and address the edges of the site. The site is 60 years old and suffers from a dramatically bare podium. This proposal includes the revegetation and up-grading of the podium in keeping with contemporary standards. Currently the landscape features foundation plantings against structural walls. The proposed landscape rejuvenates the lush front yard typical in the West End and provides a platform to create additional plantings along all side of the site. Traditionally the street edges of development are open grassed areas that are visual extensions of the public realm helping to create an attractive, generous streetscape. The key attitude of the landscape is conceptually that of beach grass landscape meeting and inter-acting with the typical West End landscape. This expresses itself in landscape forms and plant species selections including large swaths of ornamental grasses meeting banks of evergreen shrubs. Street Character The introduction of rationalized boulevard street tree planting including the infill of “missing” trees in the spacing pattern will respect the strong unifying impact that trees have on the neighbourhood. The project also proposes introducing boulevard street trees along Beach Avenue to improve the pedestrian experience along the street, soften the appearance of the project from the adjacent waterfront open space and provide framed –views for the project residents. Orientation The project proposes upgrading of the two auto-courts which serve as pick-up / drop-off to the site as on site loading. The auto-courts are treated as an amenity with special paving – shared pedestrian plazas - that provide interest from the street and when viewed from above. Pedestrian amenity areas also include the renovation of two existing fountains that feature large modern metal sculptures; the provision of improved casual seating areas; the introduction of two English Bay view points; a designated children’s play area; and, separation of vehicle / pedestrian access to the building front doors. Front Yard The project offers gracious building setbacks allowing for significant plantings between the sidewalk and private outdoor patios, townhome entries and building lobbies entrances. The front yard landscape creates layers of plantings composed to ensure a unified streetscape that is free from hiding places but creates an appropriate level of privacy to encourage their use. Rooftop The proposal contemplates rooftop gardens on the penthouse levels to create highly desirable outdoor living spaces and add to the visual interest from above.

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Page 1: Landscape Rationale - Vancouver · front yard landscape creates layers of plantings composed to ensure a unified streetscape that is free from hiding places but creates an appropriate

23Beach Towers Rezoning Application 1600 Beach Avenue & 1651 Harwood Street, Vancouver BC September 14th 2011

IBI / HB Architects 700 – 1285 West Pender Street Vancouver BC V6E 4B1 Canada

tel 604 683 8797 fax 604 683 0492

Landscape RationaleThe infilling of the site will provide a significant opportunity to reconsider and address the edges of the site. The site is 60 years old and suffers from a dramatically bare podium. This proposal includes the revegetation and up-grading of the podium in keeping with contemporary standards. Currently the landscape features foundation plantings against structural walls. The proposed landscape rejuvenates the lush front yard typical in the West End and provides a platform to create additional plantings along all side of the site. Traditionally the street edges of development are open grassed areas that are visual extensions of the public realm helping to create an attractive, generous streetscape.

The key attitude of the landscape is conceptually that of beach grass landscape meeting and inter-acting with the typical West End landscape. This expresses itself in landscape forms and plant species selections including large swaths of ornamental grasses meeting banks of evergreen shrubs.

Street Character

The introduction of rationalized boulevard street tree planting including the infill of “missing” trees in the spacing pattern will respect the strong unifying impact that trees have on the neighbourhood. The project also proposes introducing boulevard street trees along Beach Avenue to improve the pedestrian experience along the street, soften the appearance of the project from the adjacent waterfront open space and provide framed –views for the project residents.

Orientation

The project proposes upgrading of the two auto-courts which serve as pick-up / drop-off to the site as on site loading. The auto-courts are treated as an amenity with special paving – shared pedestrian plazas - that provide interest from the street and when viewed from above. Pedestrian amenity areas also include the renovation of two existing fountains that feature large modern metal sculptures; the provision of improved casual seating areas; the introduction of two English Bay view points; a designated children’s play area; and, separation of vehicle / pedestrian access to the building front doors.

Front Yard

The project offers gracious building setbacks allowing for significant plantings between the sidewalk and private outdoor patios, townhome entries and building lobbies entrances. The front yard landscape creates layers of plantings composed to ensure a unified streetscape that is free from hiding places but creates an appropriate level of privacy to encourage their use.

Rooftop

The proposal contemplates rooftop gardens on the penthouse levels to create highly desirable outdoor living spaces and add to the visual interest from above.