PERGOLA GARDEN (2023)
Richmond BC
An architectural work inspired by the tidal flows and erosive processes of the Fraser River, Pergola Garden reimagines public art as an interaction between humans, natural systems, and the built environment.
Pergola Garden is designed to evolve over time, and to further blend into the surrounding park landscape. Primarily constructed of weathering steel, with Alaskan Yellow Cedar trims, the artwork’s color and finish will continue to change with further exposure, while flowering vines trained along a network of stainless steel cables will eventually fill the void space within it, creating an overhead garden above the arched underbelly.
At 18 months, climbing vines have reached the top of the structure. As they continue to grow, they will fill the void space within the Pergola.
At the ground level, the artwork facilitates intimate and communal gathering, providing shade and oculus views to the sky, where passing planes are constantly visible.
Pergola Garden was commissioned by the City of Richmond to be a central feature and gathering place for Alexandra Neighbourhood Park, a 5.8 acre park located in East Richmond. Completed in 2022,
the park serves as a segment of the Alexandra Greenway, a continuous active transportation and ecological corridor between Cambie Road and the Garden City Lands. Alexandra Park also hosts the Alexandra District Energy Utility (ADEU) Building, the City’s first district energy system and established as a part of its commitment to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions.
The artwork following installation.Akebia quinata ‘Shirobana’
White Flowered Chocolate Vine
Prefabrication of weathering steel structure.CNC-milled Alaskan Yellow Cedar glulam trims.Study model