NOVEMBER 2021 public transportation. “It is right across the street from Langara College and a brandnew addition to the college across the street. I like those kinds of contextual responses. It was a very contemporary building across the street. It is a corner location, so it is pretty prominent. The AVA is also taking up where three single family houses are. It’s not obliterating a whole block or creating a wall on the street. It’s creating ‘surgical density’— where you create lots of quality homes where very few were before” tells Billard. While the firm deeply considered the larger architectural context in which the building is situated, they did not forget the needs and comforts of its habitants. The AVA includes multiple roof decks and a children’s play area. The existing trees were not disturbed, and their preservation allows for a visual transition from private to public. Potter stresses the importance of the outdoor amenities. “Outdoor spaces foster community wellness,” adds Potter. “They provide opportunity for residents to interact with one another. During pandemic outdoor spaces became really important and highlighted the need for your own personal outdoor space. This project is mindful of outdoor spaces. It is an opportunity for neighbors to talk and get together in a casual setting.” With each project, Billard Architecture tries to design for
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTYzNTg=