Modernist Touch

This building at the corner of Burrard and Robson doesn't look like much does it? Doesn't look like it has historical significance or that the design won the Massey Silver Medal for Architecture in 1958? But it has and it did.

This Modernist building was designed by architects Semmens and Simpson and built from 1955 to 1957. And when it was opened by Frank M. Ross, the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia at the time, on November 1, 1957 this was the site of the public library.

(As you may remember the Vancouver Public Library started on Cordova Street in 1887 then moved to the Carnegie Centre at Main and Hastings from 1903 to 1957. The library then moved here in 1957.)

Being associated with the firm of Semmens and Simpson is historically important because that firm played an important role in designing many of Vancouver's post-war Modernist architectural buildings and this one was actually at the high point of their career. The main designer was Douglas Simpson and he embodied the new thinking of Vancouver architects. He was a man who worked with the clients to realize a design that was technically sound, functional and true to the ideals of the institution.

This building is a contrast of solids and voids. It has large glazed surfaces that expose the interior and gives a feeling of openness; glass and black concrete contrast across the facade; due to the independent structural frame of reinforced concrete and the non load bearing exterior curtain walls which are comprised of glass aluminum and granite there isn't a sense of bulk or mass. It is a large building yet it seems almost fragile. And you will notice that there is very little ornamentation.

(As you can see now this building is home to CTV, HMV and others.)

Although the decoration is minimal this piece deserves mention. A bronze sculpture by artists Lionel and Patricia Thomas entitled Symbols of the Cuneiforms this is the sole remaining piece of art associated with the building. During the period of 1940 to 1970 there was a unique group of Modernist artists who formed a cohesive assembly determined to improve the life of Vancouver's citizens through art and design and the Thomass were connected with that movement.

The history of this Modernist building is fairly interesting. Built in 1954 this structure was intended to resemble the paintings by the de Stijl movement's Piet Mondrian. The Dal Grauer Substation was a collaboration between then BC Hydro and Power Authority Dal Grauer, architect Ned Pratt as well as influential artist and Modernist evangilist B.C. Binning and turned out to be an outstanding representation of the Modernist ideal of combining technology, industry and arts.

This building has a very colorful interior - which is actually dramatic at night. The exterior consists of mosaic glass tiles in the colors of mauve, grey, blue, black and green. Imagine what that looks like with the light behind it in the night time darkness. I can see how it would resemble an modernist painting. What a great idea for a building that is so functional.
 

Another building along Burrard Street is the former BC Hydro Building. Built in 1955-1957 this building is a neighbour to the Dal Grauer Substation.

As you can see, very close neighbours, connected I would think.

A 21-storey, lozenge-shaped with simple low wings along Burrard and Nelson Streets, this distinctively shaped building is a statement to the power and position of the B.C. Electric Company (later known as the BC Hydro and Electric Company) and its president A.E. Grauer. It is also a symbol of the dynamic and prosperous future of British Columbia made possible by its abundance of electric energy.

(On February 4, 2011 I made an entry concerning the Grandfather of Electricity, Johannes Buntzen. What he started was truly remarkable.0

The Electra, as this building was also known as, was especially awe inspiring at night since it was company practice then to leave all the lights on. Can you imagine this immense tower all lit up at night? What a sight that would have been. Of course now it would never be allowed what with the movement to conserve our resources.

The architectural firm of Thompson Berwick & Pratt worked with B.C. Binning to design the Modernist building with adequate space, light and ventilation befitting Modernist principles.

I have to admit that before this post I was not too inspired by what I thought was the Modernist style. But these buildings have changed my mind. When I truly look at them I see the unique characteristics and beauty in the design.

I hope you find the beauty around you.

TAGS:Vancouver, Karen Magill, Johannes Buntzen, Townley Thompson Berwick & Pratt ,Lionel and Patricia Thomas,Semmens and Simpson,history,B.C. Binning,

Lights, Camera, Action

Vancouver is also known to some as Hollywood North. We are the world's third largest film centre and second only to Los Angeles for television production.

To give you an impression of how big the industry is here let's take a look at some of film industry related businesses that exist in Vancouver and its suburbs:

Vancouver Film Studios is the largest production facility outside of Los Angeles. It has 13 sound stages spread over 30 acres.

Lion's Gate Studios in North Vancouver has eight large stages that can be matched in a facade to match almost any background wanted.

Bridge Studios in Burnaby is home to North America's largest effects stage along with six others totalling 120,000 square feet.

Then there is the Boundary Road Studios in Burnaby. This  93,000 sq. ft. studio strives to centralize all functions of the filmmaking process. Boundary Road Studios have accomadated everything from low budget TV-shows to mega features.

Hollywood in Vancouver is nothing new. The first production was in 1913 although the 'Hollywood Boom' didn't happen until 1930. Our proximity to Los Angeles, our fairly mild climate (usually) and a cooperative government make Vancouver an ideal second location for filming.

When a person is walking around the city and happens to see a sight like either of these two vans then you know that a production is probably underway near by.

And don't be surprised if you walk in on a scene being shot like I did here. The show being filmed was Supernatural and this is in Chinatown.

The film industry may garner concessions from our government but it also generates a lot of work and money into the economy. Of course local actors get to mix with the big names from the U.S. and hopefully make a well deserved name for themselves. (Eric McCormack from Will and Grace I remember first seeing in Vancouver's own Street Justice with Carl Weathers) And there are many other areas directly related to production such as Production Managers, Unit Managers, Production Coordinators, Post Production supervisors, first assistant director, second assistant director, production assistant and so on that require people to fill the spots and look no further than Vancouver for competent and talented people to work in these positions.

There are also art directors and assistants, set directors, illustrators, props, construction and the list goes on. Then take into consideration catering. People have to eat. Trucks to transport sets etc from place to place. Mobile dressing rooms. And a million other little things that I can't think of right now. It all has to be done by someone and that someone is making money which is going back into the economy.

And don't forget locations. The industry needs those.

What a great use for old buildings! Turn the run down structures into money generating machines and with the magic of film who knows what these ordinary buildings will become.



A booming business to be sure. One that it would benefit us to keep in Vancouver.

We can't forget about our local forays into the world of television either.

CTV is Canada's largest privately owned network and the main television asset of CTVglobemedia. In the last eight  years CTV has consistently placed in the top with the most viewers according to key demographics.

And as Canadian as the flag with its maple leaf is the following emblem:

The CBC or Canadian Broadcasting System, was established in 1936. (That predates our flag which came to be in 1965) This Canadian crown corporation supplies not only radio service but also television stations around the nation. Many Canadian talents can credit CBC with giving them a start.

I grew up in Northern British Columbia in the seventies. The only television station we had at the time was CBC North and as much as we laugh about the programming that was available, CBC was the only one that cared enough to supply northern residents with television entertainment. The original theme to Hockey Night in Canada will always bring a smile to my face though as will the mention of the long running CBC drama, The Beachcombers.

The CBC building on Hamilton Street is the second largest CBC production facility in English speaking Canada. The building was designed by Paul Merrick and from what I just read it wasn't always popular with Vancouverites.

The original building was one of concrete without a lot of windows, oddly shaped with giant air ducts. Sounds interesting I think. You can see the 1975 version in the background of this photo and I guess the critics are right. It does resemble a bunker.

The new, glass filled building looks much more inviting and less like a cold war prison that, if you enter, you might never emerge.

So that was a little look into the film industry in Vancouver. There is much more to write on the business and who knows. Maybe one day I will have the opportunity to look at it again.

I hope you find the beauty around you.

TAGS:Vancouver, Karen Magill, CBC, CTV,Hollywood North,film industry,Hockey Night in Canada,history,