In the heart of Vancouver’s vibrant Fairview neighbourhood, a new hotel at 901 West Broadway will help animate the newly developed principals of the Vancouver Broadway Corridor Plan. The proposed AC Hotel stands as a gateway beacon, one of the first projects embodying the principles of the Vancouver Broadway Corridor Plan while pushing the boundaries of architectural excellence.
Responding to the City’s urban revitalization project along the Broadway corridor, our team developed a dynamic design that activates the public realm and takes full advantage of its location. Drawing inspiration from the local context, community, and site conditions, every element of the building is designed to enhance public engagement at street level and add to the vibrancy of the neighbourhood.
A new restaurant, café and hotel entries at pedestrian level will encourage continued use of the Broadway and Laurel frontage, and encourage additional use of Laurel Street. Dual patio amenities with fully operable glazing will dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior spaces to further animate the Broadway frontage. With reduced parking, close access to mass transit, and promotion of bicycle spaces, the Broadway entry will also see increased usage.
The design is a harmonious blend of form and function. The podium, composed of dark brick, provides human scale, and seamlessly integrates with the residential character of the Fairview slopes. In contrast, the sleek tower rises above, wrapped in dual-coloured brushed metal and wood paneling, adding texture and warmth to the bustling intersection of West Broadway and Laurel Street.
The design of the facade responds to the adjacent program inside the hotel, transitioning from larger, offset panels on the south side, to smaller, in-line panels on the north side. The result is an articulated facade that wraps around the building to create dynamic visual interest on all faces.
The proposed 901 West Broadway development will act as a catalyst for the Vancouver Broadway Corridor Plan. From the rooftop, future-proofed for expansion, to the facade mesh that adapts to its surroundings, every detail is carefully considered to ensure the long-term success of the hotel. More than just a building, the project will bring urban renewal, economic stimulus, and much needed amenities to the area.
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