Vancouver Art Gallery Ends Collaboration with Herzog & de Meuron

In a surprising development, the Vancouver Art Gallery has decided to halt the construction of its new building and sever ties with the renowned architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron. The project, which was already underway at the corner of Cambie and West Georgia Streets in downtown Vancouver, faced escalating costs that nearly doubled the original budget.

As a result, the Gallery is now seeking a new architect to bring its vision to life within a more sustainable financial framework.

Vancouver Art Gallery’s Decision Explained

The Vancouver Art Gallery’s decision to part ways with Herzog & de Meuron came after a decade-long collaboration. Initially projected to cost $350 million in 2014, the building’s expenses soared to $600 million, prompting the Gallery to reassess its plans.

Anthony Kiendl, CEO of the Vancouver Art Gallery, cited post-pandemic inflation as a significant factor in the decision. The Gallery aims to create a building that embodies a diverse and inclusive artistic vision while ensuring financial sustainability within a fixed budget.

Financial Challenges and Project Reassessment

The financial challenges that led to this decision were not unforeseen. The project had gone through several revisions since Herzog & de Meuron joined the design team in 2014.

Despite the initial renderings released in 2015 and subsequent updates in 2019 and 2021, the costs continued to climb. The most recent design, a 350,000-square-foot, 9-story building with a copper facade inspired by Coast Salish weaving methods, proved to be too expensive to execute.

Impact on the Vancouver Art Gallery

The decision to halt construction and seek a new architect has significant implications for the Vancouver Art Gallery. The project, which had already broken ground in March 2023, was expected to open in 2028.

However, with the construction now paused, the timeline for the new building remains uncertain. The Gallery’s leadership is committed to finding a new path forward that aligns with their artistic mission and practical needs.

Community and Stakeholder Involvement

The decision to part ways with Herzog & de Meuron was made after extensive discussions with artists, supporters of the Gallery, and other stakeholders.

The Gallery plans to schedule a series of opportunities to share more about the next phase of the project and discuss it with their members and communities.

This inclusive approach aims to ensure that the new building will reflect the diverse and inclusive artistic vision of the Gallery while being financially sustainable.

Herzog & de Meuron’s Response

Herzog & de Meuron expressed disappointment over the Vancouver Art Gallery’s decision. The Swiss architectural firm had been committed to the project since 2014 and valued the collaboration with the diverse groups involved.

Despite the setback, Herzog & de Meuron wished the Gallery and its supporters all the best in their new endeavor and thanked their project partners, the Coast Salish Community, and their employees for their dedication and commitment.

Future Prospects for the Project

The future of the Vancouver Art Gallery’s new building project is now uncertain. The Gallery is actively seeking a new architect to take over the project and create a design that aligns with their budget and artistic vision.

The provincial government of British Columbia had pledged $100 million for the project, and the Gallery will need to secure additional funding to move forward.

Conclusion

The Vancouver Art Gallery’s decision to halt construction and part ways with Herzog & de Meuron marks a significant turning point in the project’s history. The Gallery is now focused on finding a new architect who can bring their vision to life within a more sustainable financial framework.

As they move forward, the Gallery remains committed to creating a building that embodies a diverse and inclusive artistic vision while ensuring financial sustainability.

For more information, you can read the full article on the Architect’s Newspaper website.