Explore the timeless aesthetic of an influential architectural movement.

Join us to explore the iconic West Coast architectural movement: Mid-Century Modernism. Inspired by the innovative Modernist style, Mid-Century Modernism embraces clean lines and a close relationship with nature. In Vancouver we enjoyed a specific adaptation in West Coast Modernism which made use of our abundant local natural resources and incredible landscape. In 2016, we look at five examples of this significant design movement found in Vancouver including the impressive Friedman Residence. Designed by Fred Lasserre in 1953 for Dr. and Mrs. Sydney Friedman, this split-level home is uniquely fit into an irregular lot at UBC. It recently came on the market and many were concerned the small scale of the home compared to the large lot would make it quick to be demolished. However a buyer passionate for the style scooped it up and it will now be featured on our tour.

Also on the tour is an intriguing example of later Mid-Century Modernism in a 1982 Dalla Lana-Griffin designed home. Ray Griffin and Fred Dalla-Lana are representative of a second wave of architects taking off where earlier Modernists left off. Having learned from the masters such as Arthur Erickson and Barry Downs, Griffin and Dalla-Lana’s early homes updated many of Erickson’s design aesthetics. This home shows the development of Mid-Century Modernism and how it continues to influence contemporary architecture.

Feature photo credit: Selwyn Pullan for Western Living Magazine, 1955.