Appendix B - Summary of Consultant Report - Burrard Bridge Heritage Study - December 2001

Burrard Bridge Heritage Study - 2001

Donald Luxton & Associates

Section 3.4: Heritage Values

The Burrard Bridge is a very significant heritage resource (Category A) evaluation) that is of high historic and symbolic value to the City of Vancouver. There are two crucial elements to the design concept of the bridge: the experience of driving across it ("Roadway") as well as its perception from a distance ("Gateway").

The original design intent is clear, and its integrity remains almost completely intact. The bridge is still used for its original function (no change of use) and the bridge remains largely unaltered. It is an important part of Vancouver's designed interaction with its waterfront setting. Its location, scale and detailing all contribute to the bridge being a major visual and symbolic civic icon.

The most unusual and important aspect is that the bridge works as an entrance gateway in both directions (lateral and parallel): from a distance it defines the entry to False Creek; and crossing over it defines a monumental gateway to downtown.

The two main urban design concepts of the bridge design are:

ROAD GATE PARTI:

· The point of entry onto the roadway is a crucial element in our perception of the bridge (the welcoming and sweeping extensions of the handrails as retaining walls, the pylons and the gradually rising roadbed). Driving across the bridge gives the impression of passing through a gate (the monumental tops of the piers, reinforced by the suspended galleries).The experience is enriched by the addition of sculptural detail and ornament. Motorists have access to panoramic views through the railings, which are also low enough that pedestrians and cyclists can see over them.

The Character-Defining Elements of the Road Gate Parti are:
Primary Elements

o Pylons and Brazier Lights
o Concrete Piers
o Concrete Handrails
o Curved Retaining Walls
o Flanking Staircases
o Suspended Galleries
o Sculptural Program
o Tile Roofs
o Central Steel Truss
o Original Plaque
o Wrought Iron Grilles
o Perceived width of Roadway
o Views from the bridge

SEA GATE PARTI:

· From a distance and from the shore the bridge presents a monumental portal at the entry to False Creek, and a defining skyline (framing) element both from the land and water. Of all the other bridges in the Region, arguably only the Lions Gate Bridge, at the entry to Burrard Inlet, fulfills a similar function. The way in which the Burrard Bridge achieves this is through the massiveness of its concrete piers (which taper unimpeded as they rise), the concentration of visual interest on the centre span, and the gradual rising broad band of the roadway.

The Character-Defining Elements of the Sea Gate Parti are:
Primary Elements

o Concrete Piers
o Concrete Handrails
o Steel Trusses of Centre Span
o Gradual Sweep of Rising Roadbed

Secondary Elements

o Concrete Abutments and Columns
o Steel Trusses under bridge
o Interior Staircase, Pier One

3.5 Relevant Conservation Guidelines

There are a number of different internationally recognized principles of conservation that can be applied to the Burrard Bridge. Specifically, the following are useful for understanding how any proposed alterations may be evaluated.

· Where a building functions as an important or conspicuous symbol of a region or territory, and contributes significantly to its identity, its landmark values should be respected in proposed interventions.
(Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office)

· Additions cannot be allowed except in so far as they do not detract from the interesting parts of the building, its traditional setting, the balance of its composition and its relation to its surroundings.
(The Venice Charter)

· The approach to all heritage conservation projects should be one of minimal intervention, to ensure maximum preservation of the existing and authentic physical fabric and the retention of the signs of age.
(BC Heritage Trust)

· Conjecture and falsification of building elements should be avoided in all heritage conservation projects.
(BC Heritage Trust)

· Additions and alterations should be contemporary in appearance, without impairing the overall design coherence.

(Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office)

Section 4.1: Principles and Parameters for Improvement Options

The first step in a respectful approach to heritage conservation of significant sites is adequate research and documentation, which has now been undertaken through this study for the City of Vancouver. Given the heritage significance (Category A) of the Burrard Bridge, there are a number of basic principles that should be followed in the design and assessment of any interventions to the bridge's original structure and fabric:

· Any changes to the bridge should retain as many character-defining elements of the original bridge as possible.
· Character-defining elements should retain their original function and appearance whenever possible.
· Bridge elements which are modified or changed should be similar in appearance and materials to the greatest extent feasible with the original elements and design intention of the bridge.
· Replacement elements should be distinguishable from original or older elements on close visual inspection.
· Alterations to the railings or sidewalk width should seek to avoid interference with the ability of motorists to enjoy the drive across, and views from, the bridge.
· Introduction of new elements which are very different from historic elements should be avoided. This would include concrete or intrusive traffic barriers.
· Modifications to the entry points of the bridge should be minimized (flanking staircases, curved retaining walls, relationship of the pylons to the sidewalks, etc.).
· Any interventions should be expressed with their own design integrity, form both a structural and technological viewpoint. "Fake" or gimmicky elements should be avoided.
· Attention to design details, and reference back to the original design concept, is crucial when considering any alterations to character-defining elements.
· Some later alterations to the bridge may be seen as respectful and therefore worthy of retention (e.g. painting and flood lighting) while others may be seen as intrusive (e.g. new light standards) and should be considered for replacement.

(c) 1998 City of Vancouver