Client

BC Artscape

Building Size

4,552 sq.m / 49,000 sq.ft

Location

Vancouver, BC

BC Artscape is an non-profit urban development organization based in Vancouver with a mandate to develop cultural spaces in BC that serve the needs of artists and cultural organizations as well as the local community. Projects are carefully designed to address the opportunities and challenges of their particular local context by employing an in-depth community engagement process to build a dynamic and inclusive project vision.

Spanning three vacant floors and the rooftop of the Sun Wah Centre at 268 Keefer street, BC Artscape Sun Wah brings together a diverse mix of artists, cultural producers, community groups and the public to create a community asset for Chinatown that enriches its unique sense of place. BC Artscape retained ZAS Architects to complete an architectural feasibility of the building to understand the existing conditions, provide certainty with respect to City of Vancouver requirements and to help inform the scope of work for the tenant improvements.

Following the feasibility study ZAS was hired to develop an inspired design aligned with community values and bring creative thinking to a tight budget for this fast track project. The design for the project is informed by future tenants and neighbours, in a true community-led process. Our team reviewed and incorperated what could be reused, adapted, or scaled-down to save money in construction or operations.