The Waterfall Building is
part of a new mixed-use project located in Vancouver, British Columbia
developed by Hillside Development Ltd. in 2000-2001. The ground floor
is reserved for general office, retail or service use, while the remainder
of the project is a mixture of commercial and “live/work” space.
The green roof system was
intended to meet the goals of creating an aesthetically pleasing community
recreational space—which met both the social development goals
of Hillside and the community revitalization goals of the city. As Hillside
Development was also requesting a relaxation of the City of Vancouver’s
building height limitations, the development proposal had to incorporate
features that would benefit the community. The green roof, visible to
the public, was seen as a beautification of the area and supported the
development application. In addition, the open, street-level courtyard
is a public space that greatly enhanced the community. A covenant was
signed between the developing company and the City of Vancouver, ensuring
that this space would remain open to the public— a condition of
the development approval.
Nearby is popular Granville
Island, reclaimed industrial land beneath one of the city's main bridges
which in the late 1970s and early 80s was transformed into a bustling
community of shops, theaters, restaurants, bars, and hotels. |
