This three-tower, 3.5-acre hotel and residence sits adjacent the Olympic Oval and Fraser River in Richmond B.C. The proposed architecture is a forward-looking and shaped by the forces of nature: Inspired by the tidal flats of the river delta and its rippled sand patterns found at low tide, the building curves and undulates to create passive and active open spaces.

While inspired by nature, the architectural expression of the project is also futuristic, utilizing contemporary geometries, materials and building systems. We believe this dialectic interplay of historic references, landscape, and an optimistic confidence in the future can work to create a powerful tension and a bold architectural vision for the Oval Village precinct.

The proposed Architectural Expression follows three key themes:

1. POROUS EDGES:
Defined by its undulating perimeter, the project’s carved edges provide generous outdoor spaces at grade that bend and curve to compliment adjacent development and the Olympic Oval. These spaces create an active and varied interface that encourage pedestrians to linger and enhance local character. These porous edges continue into the tower form, where indoor spaces are carefully placed within these curves to each connect with an outdoor area, offering a sophisticated interpretation of indoor/outdoor living.

2. UNDULATING TOPOGRAPHICAL FORM:
Shaped by rivers and agricultural settlement, the City of Richmond has a unique personality and a confidence that is tied to its geography. Building on the principals of Cascade City, this project is very much a “landscape intervention,” a waving topography of built form representing the low tidal flats of river water that is powerfully ever-present in the City of Richmond.

These curving, undulating mid-rise forms provide an architectural punctuation in the skyline: a bold form that hopes to inspire and add to a “signature” Richmond style.

3. HORIZONTALITY:
The proposal’s massing is divided into a series of clearly defined horizontal layers. Much like sand patterns found at low-tide, the vertical and horizontal components of the proposed structure are distinctly articulated through the use of varying materials and detailing. The most prominent expression of this layering are the podium frames, capping the end of each building to emphasis each “ripple” terminus. These “ripples” provide a strong, horizonal vocabulary, while separating tower and podium into distinct, coherent parts.