Buchanan Building Public Seating
Vancouver, BC
A Work Of Solid Engineering, Hidden In A Work Of Functional Outdoor Public Art
A PRIME PIECE OF FIFTIES “MODERNIST” ARCHITECTURE IN ITS DAY, the University of British Columbia’s Buchanan Building has been fully restored. It faces onto an expansive courtyard plaza that is a major channel of student and visitor traffic. Here, public seating is an essential element, so the design firm of Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg (also responsible for our “Coquitlam Fish” project) devised an elegant solution, equal parts public seating and public Art.
The concept was developed with 3DS, to ensure from the beginning that it would be as practical as it is beautiful. Based loosely on “space-age” shapes that fit both eras, the work is a stylistic bridge between Fifties aesthetics and the present day. Airy, translucent, amoeba-like coloured acrylic shapes float over off-centre bases, yet are absolutely stable and balanced, with an immense load capacity. Thanks to 3DS’ expertise and engineering, a single seat can support an entire university football team. Even more remarkable, the shapes are not fixed, but swivel into multiple configurations, for conversational groupings.
But we didn’t stop there. As night falls, the translucent acrylic seats begin to fill with light, until they’re fully aglow. The entire appearance changes, as the edges radiate. It’s a new twist on a familiar edge-lighting technique and we applied our previous experience in that area, using embedded LEDs for light that appears to come from two different sources at once. Day & night, this courtyard has become a wildly popular meeting place.
Art Fabrication and Installation
For over thirty years, 3DS has been creating works that breathe life into urban environments and resort communities around the globe. We understand the art, mechanics and business of effective messaging. Our in-house craftspeople are not only immensely talented, they’re also highly versatile, with the ability to work in many different disciplines and materials.
This eclectic mix of professionals allows 3DS to cross-reference our multiple areas of craft expertise, to create truly original and unique works. For this reason, people come to us for those things no one else can figure out how to build. Architects, designers and exhibitry companies find 3DS an indispensable partner. Our “Design Assist” collaborative process is highly evolved and effective – Artists like to consider us their one-stop resource for actualizing their ideas. Equally important is that we do that in a way that respects and maintains the integrity of their vision.
We also consider the long-term effects of real-world conditions – environment, longevity and wear-out factor – using materials that are compatible with their surroundings and enhance the overall design. You can be certain that any signage, wayfinding system or themed display we create will make a bold first impression and strongly communicate your message. Whatever your need, 3DS will develop a solution that’s unique and effective.
Public Seating Installation Company
3DS knows how to work with Artists. We have the ability to realize a singular vision, down to the most exacting specifications, while also delivering on time and on budget. Our integrity and high standards have earned the trust of Artists far and wide and you can be assured we’ll handle your project with the same respect.