Archetech Issue 40 2019 | Page 5

“We have put forward a design that not only fulfills that role, but which also captures the essence of the city and its breathtaking natural surroundings.” AUTHENTICALLY VANCOUVER Embraced by the trendy Vancouver neighbourhoods of Yaletown and Gastown, the mixed-use complex designed by ACDF + Architecture49 and IBI Group is a tribute to the city’s diverse natural and cultural environments. Beginning with design elements that embraced the stadium’s emblematic architecture, the team embarked on a journey to create a seamless flow that would extend from BC Place and PARQ, to the complex’s adjoining neighbourhoods and majestic landscapes. Defined by a myriad of lines, shapes, curves and slopes, PARQ’s design is comprised of multiple façades paying tribute to different elements of the complex’s surroundings. Its fluid forms and dynamic composition reflect the mountains, valleys, gorges and seascapes that frame the city. A curtain wall adorns the main façade, unveiling copper earth tones with shimmering louvers set in a pattern extracted from pixelated mountain images. As sunlight shines and repositions through the course of the day, the metallic louvers bring the building to life in animated ways, while their reflections ‘dance’ on the nearby waters of the Pacific Ocean. LIFE BEHIND THE FAÇADE Seamless connections between PARQ’s interior and exterior further extend the predominant theme. An abundance of clear glass and oversized windows connect patrons with the vibrant pedestrian flow and bike path traffic of surrounding city streets, while enticing passersby to enter the complex to sample one of eight restaurants and lounges, featuring a wide range of regional and provincial cuisines. Commercial space drives ground level activity, while abundant natural sunlight greets visitors looking to try their luck at the complex’s 72,000  sq. ft. multi-level casino. Spread across the second and third levels, Parq Vancouver’s casino includes 11 private salons, including four with balconies offering stunning city skyline views. Getting down to business, Parq Vancouver offers more than 60,000  sq. ft. of multifunctional meeting and event space spread across the fourth floor. The facilities are comprised of boardrooms, flexible meeting spaces and 13 ballrooms, including the 15,604 sq. ft. state-of-the-art Parq Grand Ballroom, now the largest hotel ballroom in Vancouver. PARQ WAS CONCEIVED AS THE MISSING LINK BETWEEN THE ACTIVE ENVIRONMENT OF BC PLACE STADIUM AND THE DOWNTOWN CORE’S THRIVING ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT