Doors Open highlights Vancouver architecture

Like a “great crag rising from the sea”, as its architects imagined, the Marine Building in downtown Vancouver once towered over the rest of the British Empire.

Opened in 1930 as the city emerged as a major international port, the 22-storey skyscraper is an iconic landmark at the corner of Burrard and West Hastings streets.

With its opulent design, the Marine Building is hailed as one of the best examples of the art deco style that was popular between the two world wars.

On Saturday (June 24), the office tower will be opened to the public as part of a free festival organized by the City of Vancouver.

Called Doors Open Vancouver, the event provides people the opportunity to visit some of the most interesting buildings in the city.

Civic historian

John Atkin is one of the advisers for the program, and he will also provide guided tours of the almost 100-metre-tall Marine Building in the afternoon.

“It’s a great initiative because it gets you out exploring your city,” Atkin told the Georgia Straight in a phone interview about Doors Open Vancouver.

As an example of the learning opportunities, Atkin noted that many people may find it hard to imagine that the Marine Building was once on the edge of the city

“That was the end of the city,” he said. “And so the key thing was it was the marker for all of the steamships and passengers that came into Vancouver. You came around Stanley Park and you saw the Marine Building.”

Doors Open Vancouver will feature 12 city facilities and four privately owned buildings, including the Marine Building.

Among the private spaces is the bell tower of Holy Rosary Cathedral (646 Richards Street), where visitors can witness how the ringing of a set of eight church bells is accomplished.

Also in the mix is the glassenclosed Scotiabank Dance Centre (677 Davie Street), designed by deceased architectural great Arthur Erickson and used for lessons, rehearsals, and performances.

The city is focusing on aboriginal culture in its celebration of the 150th anniversary of Canada this year. Fittingly, Doors Open Vancouver includes Skwachàys Lodge, an aboriginal hotel and art gallery at 31 West Pender Street.

Designed by the late architect and Chinatown activist Joe Wai, Skwachàys Lodge integrates Victorian and aboriginal building designs. It has a smudge room and sweat lodge in the rooftop garden for traditional spiritual purification.

Doors Open Vancouver developed from an idea that came out of the Mayor’s Engaged City Task Force, which looked at ways to deepen the sense of belonging of city residents. It had its inaugural event in the fall of 2014.

Krisztina Kassay works in corporate communications at city hall, and this is her first year as manager for the event.

“It’s really a way to get citizens more engaged in how the city works,” Kassay told the Straight in a phone interview. “People are actually quite curious about the city and what we do at the city.”

Of the 12 city facilities that will be opened, Kassay said that the administration office of the board of parks and recreation at 2099 Beach Avenue is probably the least known to Vancouverites.

According to her, the heritage building completed in 1962 is a “beautiful hidden gem”, expressing the West Coast modernist post-and-beam style.

Doors Open Vancouver offers something for everyone.

People interested in engineering and hard infrastructure can go to the False Creek Energy Centre (1890 Spyglass Place) and the Fire Protection System Pump Station at David Lam Park (1400 Homer Street).

Animal lovers can check out the Vancouver Animal Services Shelter (1280 Raymur Avenue) and the Vancouver Police Department Mounted Unit, located on Pipeline Road across from the bus loop in Stanley Park.

Behind-the-scenes guided tours are also available at the central branch of the Vancouver Public Library (350 West Georgia Street). Discover where 3-1-1 calls are received at the call centre at 1800 Spyglass Place. At the same address, visit Citystudio to learn how collaborative, innovative ideas are born to make Vancouver more livable. And see where Vancouver firefighters train, at 1330 Chess Street.

Visitors can marvel at the magnificence of the Orpheum (601 Smithe Street), home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. As well, Vancouver City Hall (453 West 12th Avenue) will also open its doors, along with the National Works Yard (701 National Avenue), where street signs are made, among other things.

More details at doorsopenvan.ca.-

DJune 22 to 28, 2017

oes it feel like sun-and-fun season yet? If the summersolstice marker has slipped by you unnoticed, look to the super new moon in Cancer on Friday evening to provide a more noticeable “school’s out” feel. TGIS!: thank God it’s summer! Now if only our weather will comply!

Cancer month puts an added spotlight on home, family, real estate, and domestic matters, both personal and national. Security, safety, comfort zones, and the past also gain added attention from communications planet Mercury—which has just begun a quick two-week stint through Cancer—and action planet Mars, which is halfway along a six(ish)-week tour. Is there something more to preserve, to retain or extract? The spoken, the undertaken, the witnessed, and the review keep emotionalism on the ready dial-up.

Saturday, home, family, and creature comforts claim the day. Extra caretaking is in order. What do you need? What do others need from you? The stars are full-on and feeling it. Venus/pluto in good shape suggest there’s money to be made and/or good value to gain. Go easy on yourself. Aim to nourish body, heart, and soul. Although Sunday is also good for a kick back, Mars in Cancer keeps passion, romance, and creativity going strong through the weekend.

Spreading out from Tuesday through Thursday, Mercury in Cancer touches base with Jupiter, Neptune, Mars, and Pluto. That’s a lot of discussion, emotion, exploration, experience, back-and-forth, and moving through in a relatively short span of time. Accompanied by a Virgo moon, overall expect to hit a productive month-end wrap-up.

ARIES

March 20–April 20

As of Friday and the super new moon, the big push is on regarding all matters to do with family, home, and comfort zones, both material and emotional. Call it a natural progression. You’ll get your money’s worth on Saturday. Through next Thursday, Mars and Mercury spark fresh insights and help you to make better strides regarding a specific relationship or money matter.

TAURUS April 20–May 21

No matter whether need or desire is the catalyst, look to the mobilizing super new moon on Friday for a fresh refuel. This super moon can prompt a new round of talks or negotiations. It’s an excellent time to revisit, reconnect, update, and to strengthen bonds with old friends, siblings, or other family. The past can springboard the next phase or project.

GEMINI

May 21–June 21

Thursday has you on a wind-up. Thanks to the super new moon Friday/saturday, you’ll find yourself completely consumed and/or immersed. It’s an emotional journey, that’s for sure. Yes, by all means, invest your all; get it secured and increase your cushion or safety margin. Go by feel; trust your instincts and first responses. Tuesday/wednesday there’s plenty to say and do. Rely on spontaneity and creativity.

CANCER June 21–July 22

Ready, set, go. Joined by Mercury and Mars in Cancer on the move, Friday’s super new moon has more than the usual going for it. Cut yourself loose and revamp yourself or your lifestyle; try something new on for size; it could do you great good. Now through the end of the month, you can make faster gains and inroads.

LEO

July 22–August 23

The sun’s travel through Cancer always marks your ideal vacation time. Whether you stick close to home or disappear altogether, Friday’s super new moon doubles up on this fact. Romance and creativity also gain a fresh infusion from the stars, especially so through Sunday/monday. Tuesday/wednesday keeps you on the go with more than the usual. Even so, the flow is good.

VIRGO

August 23–September 23

One way or another, the end of the week springs you free. You could jettison into a whole new reality. Friday’s super new moon puts the attention on something new or next. It also pushes the refresh button on your social life. Indulge and enjoy this weekend. Tuesday through next Thursday, the Virgo moon and Mercury set you onto full steam ahead.

LIBRA

September 23–October 23

You can get it under better control more naturally now thanks to Friday’s super new moon in Cancer. Mercury and Mars also help you to feel your way along more quickly. Although there’s still guesswork or uncertainty over the week ahead, each day sets another building block into place. Tuesday to Thursday, it’s not what is said or written but how it feels.

SCORPIO

October 23–November 22

First impressions speak volumes. You’ll find yourself especially quick on the uptake Friday/saturday. The super new moon heightens intuition and emotional responsiveness. You’ll retain information and details very well. Once read, spoken, or experienced, it’s forever imprinted on your psyche and your soul. Friday through Tuesday, attention-seeking delivers the goods. Wednesday/thursday, there’s plenty to work out or to clear away.

SAGITTARIUS November 22–December 21

A new level of inner and outer security is about to grow on you. Friday’s super new moon in Cancer sets a great backdrop for strengthening loving bonds and family togetherness. It’s also a right time to invest in home upgrades or a new business, or to start saving more. Thursday through next Tuesday are your best for working it out or making it happen.

CAPRICORN December 21–January 20

The emotional investment is great, and the financial end can be too. Friday’s super moon sets the summer and your next step or contract (actual or karmic) onto full steam ahead. Aim to make the most of it through month’s end. Stay creative; stay in the moment; add, subtract, or rearrange as the moment dictates.

AQUARIUS

January 20–February 18

In the mood to do some cleaning and clearing? Friday’s industrious super new moon in Cancer supports you to do just that. Put your all into it; better caretaking can only do you good. A new job, home, or health renovation is well timed. Through Tuesday, success comes readily. Tuesday to Thursday, there’s more to sort out.

PISCES

February 18–March 20

Friday’s super new moon reenergizes body, mind, and soul. It can boost your love life, family bonds, social life, or creativity. A special someone, such as a lover or a child, can tug harder on your heart. Friday through Monday, enjoy, indulge. Tuesday through Thursday, don’t get ahead of yourself; go/take it one step at a time.