Curled Up ...

… with a good book.

Belkin Library

SFU Harbour Centre Campus

VPL

If all of the main branch of the Vancouver Public Library were this photogenic it would probably be more popular building.

I wouldn't call it a 'love it or hate it' building so much as a 'some people don't hate it' building.

VPL

I realize this photo will be somewhat discombobulating for anyone not familiar with the concourse of the main library.

On The March

On Wednesday afternoon the Carnival Band was promoting this weekend's Vancouver Folk Music Festival.

The band passed through the library concourse on a fairly large circuit of downtown.

Foyer

The concourse of the main branch of the Vancouver Public Library is a popular hangout, for ESL students in particular. From what I've observed a lot of them study in the concourse and go into the library to sleep. 

Library square takes up the entire city block. It's eye catching and eminently photogenic if not a little controversial. It's one of those 'love it' or 'hate it' buildings. Myself, I think the design is unique, architecturally. But I'm also a practical guy and I think they missed the boat on one or two points when it comes to functionality.

Now for the mild rant. As I recall, cost was an issue at the time of construction. As a consequence I always get the feeling they cheaped out on the finishes. No, I take that back, it isn't a feeling, it's a fact, they used such cheap looking materials on the finishes that I cringe every time I get near the place. End of rant.

The building has a green roof and the project includes an office tower.

Arnie's movie Sixth Day has scenes shot in this concourse. I didn't see the movie and I don't want to see it. Movies shot in Vancouver tend to have 'flop' or 'dog' written all over them.

Architect: Moshe Safdie

Completed: 1996

I'm off galavanting. I've pre-scheduled posts until 9/15 for consistency but I'll be reading comments while I'm away.