WEST COAST MODERN LEAGUE

Today, the League joins with our global community in celebration of the centenary and built legacy of Canada’s pre-eminent architect Arthur Erickson. Born in Vancouver on June 14, 1924, Arthur Charles Erickson became perhaps the most important modern architect in Canadian history. Not only did he create some of Canada’s most iconic buildings, but he was, in large part, responsible for galvanizing and elevating to international acclaim the modern architectural identity of our country’s westernmost metropolitan region. A visionary artist, architect, and urban planner, the larger-than-life Vancouver native lead an extraordinary and illustrious career underpinned by the profound influence of international travel and the pursuit of an architecture, well ahead of its time, rooted in its physical and cultural context. A teacher and mentor to countless budding designers, Arthur was an architect with global impact who was celebrated for his progressive and technically innovative ideas, and who was unafraid to call on others to invest in better design for the betterment of our social and environmental fabric. Thank you Arthur! #arthurerickson #arthurericksoncentenary #AE100

WEST COAST MODERN WEEK RETURNS JULY 9–14! This year marks the centenary of Canada’s pre-eminent architect Arthur Erickson. Vancouver-born and raised, Erickson developed an interest first in the arts and then in the study of architecture, leading to an eclectic career with international impact that spanned six decades and produced some of Canada’s most iconic structures. Erickson defined site, light, cadence, and space as his four first principles of architecture, elements that are each critical to the understanding of his design explorations. From these, he created some of our region’s most cherished modern buildings, from single-family residences to our most significant cultural and civic spaces. On July 10th, join the West Coast Modern League with the West Vancouver Art Museum at The Polygon Gallery as we celebrate the centenary and the built legacy of Arthur Erickson through the lens of local designers who have revisited the famed architect’s work. Through active renewal and preservation, this group has helped to shepherd these iconic structures forward, working to safeguard their physical longevity and continued inspiration for future generations. They will share these projects with us. SITE | LIGHT | CADENCE | SPACE: ARTHUR ERICKSON REVISITED WED • JULY 10 • 2024 | 7:00–9:00pm The Polygon Gallery | North Vancouver TICKETS REQUIRED with suggested $20 donation Reception at 7:00pm | Presentation at 7:50pm LINK IN BIO TO JOIN THE WAITLIST Part of West Coast Modern Week 2024, organized by the West Vancouver Art Museum. @wcm_league @westvancouverartmuseum @polygongallery @euoistudio . . . . . #westcoastmodernweek #arthurerickson #westcoastmodern #westcoastmodernism #westcoastmodernarchitecture #modernarchitecture #modern #architecture #design #restomod #renovation #restoration #modification #vancouverarchitecture #vanarch #canadianarchitecture #canadianarchitect #interiordesign #pnwarchitecture #modernhouses #iconichouses #westvancouverhomes #architecturetalks #architecturelovers #archilovers #modernwestcoastplaces #westvancouverartmuseum #polygongallery #westcoastmodernleague #wcmlvan

West Coast Modernism is an ethos worth celebrating. Fortunately for all of us, there's a festival for that! WEST COAST MODERN WEEK is a yearly celebration of West Coast Modernism, a distinct architectural style with deep roots in West Vancouver. Surrounded by forested mountains, an expansive ocean, and a lush rainforest, this natural setting presents unique challenges and opportunities that are reflected in the local architecture. Presented by the @westvancouverartmuseum , with support from @britishpacificproperties and @livingspacevancouver , West Coast Modern Week's events include talks, exhibitions, socializing, and a unique Home Tour offering access to local, architecturally significant homes. The League is thrilled to be a returning partner, this year presenting "SITE, LIGHT, CADENCE, SPACE: ARTHUR ERICKSON REVISITED," with support from @euoistudio , featuring a group of local designers who have revisited the famed architects work. Join us on July 10th from 7-9pm at @polygongallery . We’ll announce of guest speakers shortly. Many events are now sold out, however, there is still space for some and others that you will be able to see at your leisure. LINK IN BIO While you're at it, check out the full schedule of events and register for all that the festival has to offer. . . . . . #westcoastmodern #westcoastmodernism #westcoastmodernweek #modernarchitecture #westcoastarchitecture #westcoastmodernarchitecture #pnwarchitecture #woodhouses #coastmodern #midcenturymodernarchitecture #midcenturymodern #modern #westcoastcontemporary #vancouverarchitecture #vanarch #architecture #design #landscapearchitecture #modernism #westvancouver #northvancouver #britishcolumbia #canadianarchitecture #artarchitecture #architecturelover #westvancouverartmuseum #thepolygongallery #modernwestcoastplaces #westcoastmodernleague #wcmlvan

Nestled into the steep slopes of the Coastal Mountains overlooking Howe Sound, Montiverdi Estates was designed between 1979-82 by Arthur Erickson with Eva Matsuzaki and Cornelia Hahn Oberlander. In a mature forest of dense tree cover and underbrush, each of the 20 homes was placed to preserve and celebrate the existing flora. Increasing in verticality as they ascend the hillside, each structure becomes set upon stilts to allow the mature trees and forest floor to flourish amongst the buildings. __ Montiverdi Estates, 1979-82 West Vancouver, BC Designed by Arthur Erickson with Eva Matsuzaki Landscape Designed by Cornelia Hahn Oberlander LINK IN BIO for Arthur Erickson: 100 Years.⁠ . . . . . #arthurerickson #arthurerickson100 #ae100 #geoffreymassey #grahamhouse #westcoastmodern #westcoastmodernarchitecture #modernarchitecture #modern #architecture #vancouverarchitecture #vanarch #canadianarchitect #canadianarchitecture #iconichouses #modernheritage #mcmhome #midcenturymodern #midcentury #midcenturyhouses #pnwarchitecture #artarchitecture #modernwestcoastplaces #westcoastmodernleague #wcmlvan

Quiet and comfortable has since become a bold statement amongst its industrial park neighbours. A light-filled, human-scaled structure, constructed of glass and heavy timber, the building is a succinct commercial translation of the free-standing pavilion concepts explored in Arthur Erickson’s residential body of work. Home Lumber (Jawl Industries Offices), completed in 1972, was designed as a minimal and refined composition of forms and materials. Open to the sky through a pyramidal skylight, with frameless glass opening to views of the surrounding low-lying shrubbery, the enclosure is visually reduced to an elegant post-and-beam structure shielded by an expansive, cantilevered roof, and sited upon an elevated terrazzo podium. A spatial and material experience akin to being seated beneath a tree canopy.⁠ ––⁠ Home Lumber (Jawl Industries Offices), 1972⁠ Victoria, BC⁠ Designed by Arthur Erickson ⁠ Project Architect Nick Milkovich⁠ (Erickson/Massey Architects)⁠ ⁠ LINK IN BIO for Arthur Erickson: 100 Years.⁠ . . . . . #arthurerickson #arthurerickson100 #ae100 #geoffreymassey #grahamhouse #westcoastmodern #westcoastmodernarchitecture #modernarchitecture #modern #architecture #vancouverarchitecture #vanarch #canadianarchitect #canadianarchitecture #iconichouses #modernheritage #mcmhome #midcenturymodern #midcentury #midcenturyhouses #pnwarchitecture #artarchitecture #modernwestcoastplaces #westcoastmodernleague #wcmlvan

Arthur Erickson’s first principles to understanding his architecture. 2: LIGHT – “Light has been a consuming preoccupation with me, because of its elusive mystery which gives life to architecture by its changing volumetric effects and subtle intimations of mood. Depending upon where and how the light enters a space you can be made to feel, for example, oppressed, as at the bottom of a well or exhilarated, as at the top of a hill… There is no end to the possibilities of light – for it is the source of magic in architecture.” [1] Designed in 1979 and completed in 1983, the Hugo Eppich House is one of Arthur Erickson’s most complete works, inside and out. The second home designed for the Eppich brothers, the first constructed of concrete for Helmut Eppich, Eppich House II is a residential marvel in steel and glass. “The hillside exposure is not all view; to either side there are houses which are ordinary and close. The L-shape could be angled to restrict the outlook but in order to admit light, the ends needed to be of glass. The solution was a wall of glass block that follows the curve of the custom-made steel I-beam for each level; opaque for privacy and colourless for a natural light.” [2] __ Hugo Eppich House, 1983 West Vancouver, BC Designed by Arthur Erickson Interiors with Francisco Kripacz Studio by Nick Milkovich Landscape with Cornelia Hahn Oberlander LINK IN BIO for Arthur Erickson: 100 Years [1] Erickson, A. (1975). The Architecture of Arthur Erickson. Tundra Books. [2] Erickson, A. (1988). The Architecture of Arthur Erickson. Harper & Row. . . . . . #arthurerickson #arthurerickson100 #ae100 #geoffreymassey #grahamhouse #westcoastmodern #westcoastmodernarchitecture #modernarchitecture #modern #architecture #vancouverarchitecture #vanarch #canadianarchitect #canadianarchitecture #iconichouses #modernheritage #mcmhome #midcenturymodern #midcentury #midcenturyhouses #pnwarchitecture #artarchitecture #modernwestcoastplaces #westcoastmodernleague #wcmlvan

North America’s West Coast created its own unique Modern architecture in the twentieth century. From San Diego to Vancouver the region’s distinctive natural conditions, industries, and cultures inspired a spirit of experimentation that attracted free thinking architects eager to try new ideas far from the influence of the eastern establishment. The results varied from city to city, but together they became a laboratory for innovation that shaped Modernism globally. On July 11th, join @westvancouverartmuseum with @kaymeekartscentre for “From City to City Up the Coast,” with architect and historian Alan Hess. Author of 21 books on Modern architecture and urbanism in the twentieth century; Alan’s subjects include John Lautner, Oscar Niemeyer, Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as the Ranch House, Las Vegas, and Palm Springs. He is a Commissioner on the California State Historical Resources Commission, and serves on the boards of Preserve Orange County, Palm Springs Modernism Week, and DesignOnScreen. Alan has helped to restore and landmark buildings from the Modern era, including CBS Television City, Bullock’s Pasadena, Norm’s La Cienega Coffee Shop, and the oldest remaining McDonald’s stand. Awards for his work conserving Modern architecture include the Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Docomomo/US's Award of Excellence, and the President’s Award from the Los Angeles Conservancy. His next book “The Palm Springs School 1930-1975” will be published next year by Rizzoli International. Don't miss out! Get your tickets today. 2024 JULY 11 | 7:00-9:00pm Kay Meek Arts Centre, Grosvenor Theatre Part of West Coast Modern Week LINK IN BIO FOR TICKETS . . . . . #westcoastmodernweek #wcmw #alanhessarchitect #alanhess #fromcitytocityupthecoast #modernheritage #heritagepreservation #modern #architecture #modernarchitecture #design #westcoastarchitecture #coastmodern #westcoast #westcoastdesign #modernhistory #artarchitecture #architecturelovers #midcenturymodern #midcenturyhouses #modernhouses #midcenturymodernarchitecture #iconichouses #iconicbuildings #westcoastmodernleague #wcmlvan

A little-known Arthur Erickson design, thought to have been lost to time, has been found! Nestled among the aspen parkland of Alberta, the Dyde House is a hidden masterpiece by one of Canada’s most celebrated architects. Arthur Erickson’s Dyde House is a one-hour documentary telling the story of an undiscovered piece of history and the architects fighting for its future. See the film for yourself! On July 12th, join @westvancouverartmuseum at @kaymeekartscentre for a screening of the documentary plus a discussion with Max Amerongen (Producer @andstoneyyc ), Trevor Boddy, and Dr. Lee Foote. Don't miss out! Get your tickets today. 2024 JULY 12 | 7:00-9:00pm Kay Meek Arts Centre, Grosvenor Theatre Part of West Coast Modern Week LINK IN BIO FOR TICKETS [Video] Arthur Erickson’s Dyde House (2023) Trailer. Directed by Colin Waugh. Produced by Sticks & Stones. . . . . . #westcoastmodernweek #wcmw #arthurericksondydehouse #dydehouse #arthurerickson #arthurericksonarchitect #modern #architecture #modernarchitecture #canadianarchitecture #canadianarchitect #vancouverarchitect #iconichouses #edmontonmodern #architecturefilms #modernheritage #modernhistory #artarchitecture #architecturelovers #edmonton #alberta #midcenturymodern #midcenturyhouses #modernhouses #westcoastmodernleague #wcmlvan

Call it Arthur Erickson Place, MacMillan Bloedel Building, or the Waffle Building. You can call it whatever you’d like so long as you call it beautiful! Designed by Arthur Erickson with Geoffrey Massey, and completed in 1968, MacMillan Bloedel, as it was originally named, remains to this day one of the most elegant and bold office buildings on the Vancouver skyline. Uninterested in the usual ethereal glass curtain wall office building, MacMillan Bloedel is instead characterized by Arthur’s desire for a building exuding stability and permanence. Solid, rough concrete bearing walls, punctuated by glass openings, taper from 10 foot thick at the ground to 1 foot thick when it touches the sky.“ The fact that the building was rather rugged in appearance and that it tapered like a great tree was quite incidental, but nevertheless conformed to the image that MacMillan Bloedel wanted to project. For me, it was my “Doric” building, uncompromising in its simplicity.” [1] __ MacMillan Bloedel Building (Arthur Erickson Place), 1968⁠ Vancouver, BC⁠ Designed by Arthur Erickson⁠ with Geoffrey Massey (Erickson/Massey Architects) LINK IN BIO for Arthur Erickson: 100 Years [1] Erickson, A. (1975). The Architecture of Arthur Erickson. Tundra Books. . . . . . #arthurerickson #arthurerickson100 #ae100 #geoffreymassey #grahamhouse #westcoastmodern #westcoastmodernarchitecture #modernarchitecture #modern #architecture #vancouverarchitecture #vanarch #canadianarchitect #canadianarchitecture #iconichouses #modernheritage #mcmhome #midcenturymodern #midcentury #midcenturyhouses #pnwarchitecture #artarchitecture #modernwestcoastplaces #westcoastmodernleague #wcmlvan

At the same time as Arthur Erickson was developing the designs for Simon Fraser University with Geoffrey Massey, Arthur's friends, Dr. William and Ruth Baldwin, commissioned him to create a home on the shores of Deer Lake. Conceived as a floating pavilion on the water's edge, Arthur drew inspiration, "in part, by the palaces and house boats of Dal Lake in Kashmir, and the famed nearby Mughal Gardens. Although Erickson never visited Dal Lake, he travelled extensively throughout India, and specifically mentions the Kashmir reference in relation to this house."[1] What resulted was a two-storey post-and-beam structure, perched on a steep slope, constructed with an exquisite transparency inviting views out to the surrounding lake. ⁠ __ Baldwin House, 1965⁠ Burnaby, BC⁠ Designed by Arthur Erickson⁠ LINK IN BIO for Arthur Erickson: 100 Years [1] Dr. William & Ruth Baldwin House, Burnaby Heritage.⁠ . . . . . #arthurerickson #arthurerickson100 #ae100 #geoffreymassey #grahamhouse #westcoastmodern #westcoastmodernarchitecture #modernarchitecture #modern #architecture #vancouverarchitecture #vanarch #canadianarchitect #canadianarchitecture #iconichouses #modernheritage #mcmhome #midcenturymodern #midcentury #midcenturyhouses #pnwarchitecture #artarchitecture #modernwestcoastplaces #westcoastmodernleague #wcmlvan

Arthur Erickson’s first principles to understanding his architecture. 1: SITE – “Site is much more than the configuration of the lot where you build. Site is to me a basic generator of form because the way the building responds to its environment determines what the building uniquely is… To me, architecture means unifying the duality of site and building – which implies that the building cannot be removed from its setting and studied as a separate entity. It is the dialogue between building and setting that is the essence of architecture.” [1] Designed in 1963 with Geoffrey Massey for David Graham, the Graham House stood as an icon of domestic modernism on the west coast until its untimely nighttime demise in 2007. The site was described by Arthur as an impossible opportunity. “A rock scree dropping sixty feet from an overhanging cliff to a ledge over the sea was an impossible site for a house. First of all, as my client perceived, how would one get down to it? The only solution that I could see was a multi-storey house set against the cliff like a ladder. Its pleasure would be in the discoveries of the descent itself.” [1] __ Graham House, 1962 West Vancouver, BC Designed by Arthur Erickson with Geoffrey Massey Demolished, 2007 LINK IN BIO for Arthur Erickson: 100 Years [1] Erickson, A. (1975). The Architecture of Arthur Erickson. Tundra Books. [Images 1, 2, 5] Selywn Pullan. Collection of West Vancouver Art Museum. [Images 3, 4] John Fulker. Collection of West Vancouver Art Museum. . . . . . #arthurerickson #arthurerickson100 #ae100 #geoffreymassey #grahamhouse #westcoastmodern #westcoastmodernarchitecture #modernarchitecture #modern #architecture #vancouverarchitecture #vanarch #canadianarchitect #canadianarchitecture #iconichouses #modernheritage #mcmhome #midcenturymodern #midcentury #midcenturyhouses #pnwarchitecture #artarchitecture #modernwestcoastplaces #westcoastmodernleague #wcmlvan

While working at the venerable firm Thompson, Berwick & Pratt, Ron Thom was commissioned to design a home on the mountain hillside of West Vancouver. A new residence for Mr. and Mrs. Clay Anderson, the design took clear inspiration from American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, as did much of Ron's work. The design is characterized by simple forms, flat roofs with large overhanging eaves, ribbon windows, and a restrained palette primarily of cedar inside and out. The result is a tranquil space to call home that is sensitively situated in its landscape. The home is recognized as a Primary Building of architectural significance and listed on the West Vancouver Community Heritage Register. Anderson House is currently on the market in search of new residents who will steward and care for this significant Ron Thom design. __ Anderson House, 1956 West Vancouver, BC Designed by Ron Thom (Thompson, Berwick & Pratt) Find it Online: MLS #R2896569 Link in bio for MODERN PLACES, the League's ongoing survey of modern west coast buildings & projects . . . . . #ronthom #ronthomarchitect #thompsonberwickpratt #westcoastmodern #westcoastmodernhouses #midcenturymodern #modernhouse #vancouverarchitecture #vanarch #canadianarchitecture #canadianarchitect #artarchitecture #architecturelovers #archilovers #franklloydwright #iconichouses #modernheritage #modernwestcoastplaces #westcoastmodernleague #wcmlvan