Las Vegas
Annual West Vancouver event to celebrate architect Arthur Erickson
By Ken MacIntyre (May 10, 2024) – During the post-war years, design innovation gave rise to a variety of unique mid-century architectural styles including the likes of Desert Modernism, Brutalism, New Formalism, Googie and more.
In the Pacific Northwest, the region’s stand-out style was dubbed “West Coast Modernism,” a design ethos which reflected more than just architectural ingenuity, but rather, a marriage of modern design, organic materials and perhaps most importantly, the integration of natural surroundings.
The Beaton Residence, built in 1965 and torn down in 2018. Photo by Martin Knowles
Boasting some of the West Coast’s most breathtaking scenery, it’s no surprise that modernist architects of the day — such as Arthur Erickson, Ron Thom, Fred Hollingsworth and others — chose to build in West Vancouver, Canada, a municipality nestled between the Pacific Ocean and rainforest covered mountains.
Like so many cities around the globe, though, much of West Vancouver’s midcentury residential and commercial buildings now face the risk of redevelopment, and despite local groups such as the West Coast Modern League advocating for preservation and restoration, West Vancouver has lost some pretty significant structures in recent years including Arthur Erickson’s Graham House (1963) and Arthur Mudry’s Beaton Residence (1965).
Fortunately the area’s preservation community is growing, and with it so has West Coast Modern Week, a yearly celebration of West Coast Modernism (both midcentury and contemporary) presented by the West Vancouver Art Museum.
Exhibitions, walking tours, panel discussions and a unique Home Tour offering access to architecturally significant homes are all part of this summer’s programming, which this year will also celebrate Vancouver architect Arthur Erickson’s Centennial (1924-2024) and the lasting impact his work has had on Canadian (and international) architecture and design.
Arthur Erickson’s Eppich House II. Photo by Luis Valdizon
Two Erickson houses will be included in the annual Home Tour, and a special screening and Q&A of ‘Arthur Erickson’s Dyde House,’ a one hour documentary which tells the story of an overlooked piece of architectural history and the architects fighting for its future, will also be featured.
If you’re interested in learning more about preserving West Coast Modernism and experiencing this distinct architectural style first hand then be sure to set aside some time to attend West Coast Modern Week this July 9-14, 2024, in West Vancouver.
Tickets are available online at West Coast Modern Week. Don’t delay, tickets will go fast. Here’s their complete schedule:
July 9 – West Coast Modern Week Launch Party and West Vancouver Art Museum 30th Anniversary
July 9, 10, 11 – Walking Tours: The Modern Diamonds of Dundarave
July 10 – Panel Discussion: SITE I SOUND I CADENCE I SPACE ARTHUR ERICKSON REVISITED
July 11 – Annual Barry Downs Lecture Series: From City to City Up the Coast, with Alan Hess
July 13 – 18th Annual West Coast Modern Home Tour with Modern Tea Party
July 14 – West Coast Modern Week Concert: Sharon Minemoto & James Danderfer Trio
Exhibition: A Refuge: Arthur Erickson, May 15 to July 20, West Vancouver Art Museum