nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona Library + YWCA Housing

This project is a mixed-use building that combines a complex intersection of public and private interests, including a VPL Branch and YWCA Housing for low-income, single mothers. The site is on East Hastings Street, in the heart of Vancouver’s downtown east side. It provides a haven for the dwellers and a highly public, socially-interactive, residential and commercial space that inspires curiosity and learning. The large, richly shaped window exposes a bright library and is intended to signal publicness and a bright welcome on a dreary section of street. The illuminated neon sign harks back to the glory days of Hastings Street, and the multicolored balconies challenge the anonymity of much social housing.

This project was a key inspiration for the FLUID Sociality public good software project.

*Bruce Haden was Design Lead and Principal in Charge on this project while at Dialog.