Location
  • Vancouver, BC
Client
  • GWL Realty Advisors
Completion
2018
Size
  • 565 sq m
  • 6,080 sq ft
Collaborators
  • Applied Engineering Solutions
  • Glasfurd & Walker
  • Green Over Grey
  • Ledcor
  • RJC Engineers
DIALOG Services
  • Architecture
  • Interior Design
  • Mechanical Engineering
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DIALOG was tasked with repositioning a 1980s-era building, turning it into a contemporary space worthy of Vancouver’s business district and a solid asset for the client. The revitalized space is bold and simple. An elegant white metal ribbon moves from the exterior plaza through the main entrance and hugs the atrium glazing, while black and white design elements stand in strong contrast to existing concrete structures. An art installation and water feature were removed to make the space cleaner. New end-of-trip facilities provide a bright and highly visible path to bike storage, change facilities, and locker rooms.

01/10
840 howe entryway v3
A dynamic new entrance The entrance is bold, simple, and contrasts the existing building façade. It pushes out to engage the street, and the lobby entrance was enlarged to create a welcoming experience.
840 howe ribbon v2
One big design move The elegant white metal ribbon with the building brand on it moves fluidly from the exterior plaza through the main entrance and hugs the existing atrium glazing and staircase.
840 howe lobby
Clean lines, bright space The illuminated ribbon swoops down to embrace the staircase guardrail and terminates at the curving planter curb. It is vibrant, highly visible and engaging, both inside and out.
840 howe lobby 2
Pulling back, simplifying The new entry and atrium is bright. The tailored planters add to the experience. Accent light in all the right areas is dramatic and doesn’t compete with the illuminated ribbon.
840 howe lobby detail
A simple colour palette The new design elements all have a high contrast with the grey concrete bones of the building. These energetic design moves are edgy, strong, and crisp, and reinforce the brand.
840 howe concierge
Clean lines and contrast The concierge desk at 840 Howe carries on the theme of clean lines in the space, as well as the contrasting black-and-white colour scheme. It is simple, elegant, and sets the tone.
840 howe terracing 2 v2
Greenery brings wellbeing The new planted terraces are subtle and aligned with the atrium forms and planes. The space is calm, textural, and provides a sense of wellbeing that was missing in the old atrium.
840 howe parkade after v2
End-of-trip facilities DIALOG was also responsible for designing new end-of-trip facilities for cycling commuters at 840 Howe, which included bike storage, change rooms, and locker rooms.
840 howe bike storage v2
Bold and bright colours The fuschia, black, and white colour scheme and graphic applications are edgy, vibrant, and provide movement and readily apparent connection to the new end-of-trip destinations.
840 howe change room
Bright new change rooms The end-of-trip tenant improvement included new change rooms. They are bright, modern, and exactly what every bike commuter wants to find when they arrive at their destination.

Meet The Team

840 howe rendering 1 v2

It started with a sketch

More than one idea The original concept sketch for 840 Howe lobby renovation alludes to the final design, but the concept went much further than this...
840 howe entryway before

The design story 01

An edifice stuck in time

The entryway for 840 Howe (formerly Robson Court) was dated, and showed the age of the building.

840 howe rendering 1

The design story 02

A stark difference from the outset

Early drawings of the newly envisioned renamed and rebranded 840 Howe were vastly different.

840 howe lobby before

The design story 03

Dated, on the inside and outside

The building lobby was also dated, with pink marble, a bamboo art installation, and water feature.

840 howe lobby before 2

The design story 04

A bamboo forest and signboard

The previous lobby included a number of disparate elements that made it appear cluttered and dated.

840 howe concierge before

The design story 05

Uninspired concierge desk

The original concierge desk was dated and uninspired; the new desk ties in to the new colour scheme.

840 howe rendering 2

The design story 06

Tying inside and outside together

This sketch shows the initial concept for carrying the ribbon from the exterior to the interior.

840 howe parkade before v2

The design story 07

Functional but drab parking

The parking garage was decidedly drab before it was converted into an end-of-trip facility.

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