One of the few modern buildings on the City of Vancouver's heritage inventory, St. John's Shaughnessy Anglican Church was in need of extensive repair and refurbishment. The sanctuary was redesigned, and both natural and artificial lighting improved to enhance the existing parabolic concrete structure. This was accomplished through the design and placement of new stained glass windows and skylights, the placement of a series of large chandeliers capable of producing a variety of lighting effects, the design of new furnishings, the refinishing of support spaces and the provision of new handicapped facilities. In addition, the exterior of the church was restored to its original condition through the removal of an existing asphaltic surface coating.

St. John's Parish Hall, Vancouver, BC

Built in 1950 as a utilitarian church ancillary building, St. John's Parish Hall now serves a vital Anglican congregation in the heart of Vancouver's Shaughnessy neighborhood. VIA has designed three major renovations to the building since 1991, allowing the parish to update its facilities to serve its ministry programs as they evolve over time. Originally centered on a large gymnasium space, the building's focus has changed from recreational use to primarily office and meeting space. Our renovation work has included adaptation of the former gym space to a large sky-lit lobby space, creation of a parish library, improved circulation to the lower level church school, renovation of the kitchen and washrooms, creation of youth meeting rooms, and the addition of new offices to serve a growing clergy staff.

St. John's Memorial Garden, Vancouver, BC

VIA designed a new lynch gate and walkway to connect the two buildings on the church property, which are very different in character and architectural expression. The walkway resolves the relationship between the buildings while providing disabled access to the parish hall and creating a large outdoor gathering space for church functions. The property to the south was bequeathed to the church many decades ago as a memorial garden. The current congregation expressed the desire for a landscape structure that would provide a place of contemplation and peace.