Vancouver’s architecture is often difficult to distinguish as many of its homes are adaptations or amalgamations of more recognized styles. By cataloguing them, we gain an understanding of our homes and neighbourhoods, which gives us all a sense of pride in our city. With this is mind, the Vancouver Heritage Foundation provides Scout with an exclusive series that we call The Roof Over Your Head.
Advancing technology and the industrial influences of the 1930s inspired a new wave of art and architectural design. This new aesthetic rejected traditional design, historical references and ornamentation in favour of simple, stream-lined shapes similar to those found in airplanes, ships and even household appliances. Moderne architecture is also strongly reminiscent of the Dutch ‘De Stijl’ painters like Piet Mondrian (1872-1912) whose bold works combine a careful balancing of white canvas with bold lines and strong colour.
The Moderne Style, sometimes referred to as the International Style, was a precursor for West Coast Modernism. It is perhaps best embodied in a phrase coined by well-known architect Le Corbusier who referred to the ‘modern’ house as a “machine for living”. Simplicity of form characterizes this new functionalism. Plain, most often white, exterior surfaces made of concrete or stucco are composed into rectangular planes, often with strong but carefully balanced asymmetry. Windows often wrap around corners in a series of consistent modules. Textured obscure or reeded glass is used where light and privacy is needed.
Decoration is limited to recessed elements or relief sculpture worked into the façade or sometimes as vertical fluting on doorways. Rooflines are flat without eaves or overhangs except over balconies or doorways. Windows, usually metal casement, are artfully positioned to create a solid/void balance and add horizontality to the otherwise plain facades. Windows and doors are plainly inset into the façade with little or no trim. Railings are generally metal, often composed of horizontal steel piping. If colour is included in the façade it is generally restricted to windows and railings. The surrounding landscape of a Moderne home is likely equally simple and streamlined.
The Moderne style did not get a huge foothold in Vancouver. West Coast Modernism, which came after, was much more predominant. There are a couple of good examples; one on Heather Street, across from Shaugnessy Hospital, the other the 700 block of West 27th. The Bay Theatre at 935 Denman is also in the Moderne style, although a few of its more indicative details have been disguised as its use changed over the years.
OTHER ROOFS OVER YOUR HEAD
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Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity supporting the conservation of heritage buildings and structures in recognition of their contribution to the city’s economy, sustainability and culture. VHF supports Vancouver’s built history by offering educational tours, talks and lectures, courses, and special events. Launched early in 2013, the Vancouver House Styles Architectural Web Tool is a free online reference cataloguing Vancouver’s common architectural styles.