A 27-storey brutalist tower that stands as one of architect Arthur Erickson’s defining works and a landmark of Canadian modernism.
At a glance
This glass and concrete office tower, completed in 1968, was built as the corporate headquarters of the MacMillan Bloedel forestry company. Designed by Erickson/Massey Architects with Arthur Erickson as partner-in-charge, it represents one of Canada’s most significant examples of brutalist architecture. The building was officially renamed Arthur Erickson Place in 2021, though its original name endures in common parlance.
History
Arthur Erickson conceived the design in 1965, early in what would become an internationally acclaimed career. Construction commenced in October 1966 and progressed over two years. The building officially opened on 13 December 1968, immediately establishing itself as a major addition to Vancouver’s architectural landscape. Its completion marked a turning point in Canadian commercial architecture, introducing sophisticated European-influenced modernism to the West Coast.
What you see
The building rises 27 storeys in a bold expression of brutalism, its form shaped by the functional requirements of a major corporate headquarters. The design demonstrates Erickson’s characteristic approach to monumental modernism, combining structural honesty with sculptural presence. The tower’s massing and materiality reflect the architect’s philosophy that office towers could achieve cultural significance beyond mere commercial utility.
Cultural significance
The MacMillan Bloedel Building ranks among Canada’s outstanding brutalist achievements, a period when modernist architecture was reshaping cities across North America. Its influence on subsequent Canadian office tower design was substantial. The building also marks a crucial moment in Arthur Erickson’s development as an architect, launching him toward international recognition and major commissions.
Key facts
- Country: Canada
- City: Vancouver, British Columbia
- Completed: 13 December 1968
- Architect: Arthur Erickson (Erickson/Massey Architects)
- Coordinates: 49.285814, -123.122269
- Original use: MacMillan Bloedel corporate headquarters
Practical information & getting there
The building is located in downtown Vancouver and is accessible by public transit. As an active office building, interior access may be restricted, but the exterior is readily viewable from street level and surrounding public spaces.
Sources & resources
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