This paper explores urban design possibilities for the enhancement of the Vancouver Art Gallery landscape. It is
understood that urban public places are necessary for not only the daily functioning of society, but as venues of and for
celebrations, demonstrations, and communication. All public urban spaces have the potential to serve as significant
locations of human experience. The designed urban landscape should have the capacity to elicit response and
heighten our perceptions, thereby furthering our understanding of the world. Understanding the Vancouver Art Gallery
landscape as a central urban space of significant civic importance, it is necessary that its design illuminate the
interactions between humans and the physical world - the actors, the audience, and the stage.
A literature review is conducted in order to discern possible connections between museum processes and designed
landscapes. Analogies are drawn between the processes and display of art within and around galleries and museums,
and the cultural meanings associated with these displays. These processes also reveal themselves in the designed
landscape. Second, museum-landscape analogs are proposed, and from these, precedents are researched in order to
identify criteria that support and reinforce these analogs. These analogs are typologies that may serve to inform the
urban design, and landscape architectural process. In response to the research, the Vancouver Art Gallery landscape
is designed according to one of the types (analogs) identified - Landscape as Theatre. The design provides a model
for the expression of the theatrical aspects of urban life that contribute to the vibrancy and cultural richness of the
urban landscape.
The conclusions drawn herein are suggestive of urban design enhancement opportunities that exist within central
downtown Vancouver, in particular the Vancouver Art Gallery landscape. It is recognized that significant investment in
our urban spaces is a requirement for ensuring the successful evolution of urban life. In addition to the enhancement of
human experiences within the city, successful urban projects that elicit international acclaim and recognition further the
economic growth of, and investment in the city. Certainly, when public spaces are used and enjoyed steadily and
repeatedly the experiences of places are enriched, and human experience is enhanced.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:BVAU.2429/12071 |
| Date | 05 1900 |
| Creators | Guppy, Graeme Blair |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Relation | UBC Retrospective Theses Digitization Project [http://www.library.ubc.ca/archives/retro_theses/] |
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