| The pier that was constructed during Expo 86, designed by the Zeidler Parntership, was one of the key buildings to remain after the majority of the temporary structures were demolished at the end of Expo. It continues to be a hub of activity, supporting conferences, the Pan Pacific Hotel, and providing premier docking facilities for cruise ships. It is expected that the facilities will be further upgraded to support expansion for the 2010 Olympic Games.
The character of the architecture was in keeping with the transportation theme for Expo. Many of the buildings made use of tensile structures - and provide a good working vocabulary of the structural elements required for such. The Zeidler Partnership was also responsible for the design of the Ontario Pavilion for Expo 86. This building had a quite creative use of tensile structural elements and sails, but unfortunately, was one of the buildings that was taken down after the exhibition was finished.
Canada Place has become an international symbol for Vancouver. Now, as the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre the complex includes a fully equipped five-berth cruise ship terminal, a bus depot, and parking for 770 cars. The tower contains the 505-room Pan Pacific Hotel and the 243,000-square foot World Trade Centre offices. Completing the extensive mixed-use programme are shopping facilities, a 480-seat 3-D Imax Theatre, and a 1,000-seat outdoor amphitheatre.
The fibreglass-reinforced Teflon fabric roof has become a Vancouver landmark. It spans 180 feet diagonally over the exhibition spaces and creates a sail-like appearance with its undulating ridges. This nautical motif is reflected in the careful detailing of the entire complex. The series of outside terraces offer spectacular views of the mountains and Stanley Park as well as functioning as pedestrian esplanades from downtown to the harbour and as the required fire escapes for the building. |