a $350 million maze

Shangri-La, one of the most sounding recent developments in Vancouver - designed by James K.M. Cheng Architects Inc., is a mixed-use 65-storeys skyscraper with commercial space, hotel on the first 15 floors and condominium apartment units occupying the upper levels. One of the main noises of the building, even before the construction was started, is of course its height and its cost. It is in fact the tallest building in Metro Vancouver, and the total cost of the building was nearly $350 million dollars.

I was recommended, by several different architects, to go see the building ever since it is officially opened in 2008, I was also told that the building was nicely done with great interior space. Finally, I had time to go visit yesterday, but it was a great disappointment.

As I entered the building, I went into a limited L-shape lounge (or seating area? or reception area? whatever it truly is, I am sure they have beautifully named it as foyer) with more than enough armchairs. I turned to the left of the L-shape, I was expecting to go into a widely-open lobby with reception desk for the hotel, where I could locate myself and started the journey in the building. However, I was not able to find anything there, so I turned back to the other wing of the L-shape, but there was only a bistro-cafe. Then, I asked myself where, at least, the elevator lobby was. I turned back to the left wing of the L, and I finally found an approximate 4ft wide opening on the wall, I looked in, and here it was the "elevator lobby". Here, I intend to put the quotation mark with the elevator lobby, because I hesitate to call it lobby. To be precise, it is an elevator corridor. I swear, there is only at most 4ft space in front of the elevator, and please keep in mind that it is a $350 million hotel building, HOTEL BUILDING!!

Nevertheless, I still made the tour to go up. I went to the 5th floor on purpose, which is the spa floor. I was told to go check out the spa, because the space is "nicely done" with a lounge looking out to the exterior roof top jacuzzi . I went out from the elevator, I entered into a dim-lighted space (no, a dim-lighted corridor to be exact). I turned to the right, I saw a beautiful wooden door, I opened the door, and peaked in, it was the reception area for the spa, I realized that I should not go in as I was not intended to spend money there. Then, I looked to the right, there it was the triangular "beautiful" lounge looking out at some strangers with swimming suits, with no more than 5ft from the curtain wall, floating in the little triangular roof top jacuzzi. I seriously cannot imagine myself tasting a cappuccino in a lounge like that with someone almost naked so close beside me...

With disappointment, I made the last effort to wander around the rest of the floor - I went into a corridor, there was a library, then corridor again, there were a few service rooms, then corridor, there was the elevator again... I did not even want to go any further in the building, I went back down, and left.

I was totally disappointed. I brought my camera with me, but I did not even have the urge to take one single photo. I left the building with frustration. What kind of space is it? I simply cannot believe it is a hotel/high-end condominium building in downtown. Have you ever gone into a building and felt that the ceiling was going to fell on you? The space of this building is exactly how it feels. Have you ever gone into a building where you felt that you are lost in a maze? The spatial relationship of this building is exactly doing this to its users. I am saying it with anger: I dislike the space of this 350 million dollars building!

Last but not least, its Chinese look/atmosphere that the designer is trying to integrate into the building is the biggest irritation to me. First of all, why does the building have to be the Asian taste? Lets say there is a design intention behind, then do it nicely! Do it respectfully! A space will not speak of Chinese simply by having a Chinese painting, a Lion Sculpture, a Asian looking kimono on the wall or some bamboos, etc. Does the designer even know what the essence of Chinese Architecture is? It is obviously not easy to design a contemporary Chinese architecture, and it is even more difficult to build a contemporary architecture that speaks of Chinese in a western city. If one wants to do it, one ought to do it with care. It cannot be treated simply as a side dish, or as chocolate syrup topping on the dessert dish. One is not building a contemporary Chinese architecture simply by incorporating some Chinese looking ornaments; this is a big insult. As an architect, respect the building, respect the space, respect the materials, respect the culture.

With all the above being said, I still have not mentioned how unattractive the building looks like from the exterior. However, I am not intended to comment any further.

After all, if you want to get lost in a $350 million labyrinth, go visit Shangri-La Vancouver!