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business elite canada
H
APRIL 2016
and its environment. The result is a proj-
ect that preserves the uniqueness of its
context — a highly attractive quality that
often captures the attention of surround-
ing people.
Taking into consideration colour, shape
and the environment, GBL finds ways to
influence people’s lives through architec-
ture. Creating new build environments in a
way that will enhance the everyday life of
people presents challenges that the archi-
tects avidly embrace.
ARCHITECTURAL
CHALLENGES, CREATIVE
SOLUTIONS
When working in urban areas, restrictions
from by-laws present what Lyon called “an
interesting challenge”. Instead of running
from these challenges, GBL Architects
tackles architectural obstacles head on
with creative solutions.
“When there’s a lot of issues and there
are lots of players and interesting hurdles
— to get through that — those all contrib-
ute to making an interesting project,” Lyon
said. “This is something we enjoy doing
and have a strong reputation for doing.”
Despite the occasional legal obstacle, GBL
is committed to maintaining solid relations
with governing bodies.
“We work very closely with the City of
Vancouver and other local cities and mu-
nicipalities. We have redeemed strong re-
lationships with them, having worked with
them over the years — it’s a big part of our
working life,” Lyon said.
A PHILANTHROPIC SKYLINE
Designing upmarket hotels, shopping
complexes and theatres is only one aspect
of the company’s business. GBL has also
been involved in a number of projects that
require more compassionate objectives.
Managed by the Lookout Emergency Aid
Society, GBL designed First Place, a non-
market residential building in Vancouver
to house the homeless. In working with
the City of Vancouver, GBL completed the
project with Net Zero, non-market housing
designed for the elderly.
Projects south of the border have been in-
spired by similar intentions. Last year, GBL
received an impressive second place in a
design competition hosted by the Ameri-
can Institute of Architects (Portland divi-
