This holiday season we've partnered with our friends at Granville Island on a series of videos where we're sharing some of the most awesome stuff happening down there. Here are episodes 1, 2 and 3 of 4. While we were filming I learned a ton about this gem of False Creek so over 12 days we're also bringing you inside with a series of blog posts.
If you've been following the series so far (or you've ever been to the Island, which I know you have), then you'll know that there is no arguing that this is a magical place. There nothing quite like it in Vancouver, or maybe even the world, and of course that's entirely all by design. Over the years the Government of Canada, the City of Vancouver and private developers have collectively worked together with visionaries to keep its vibrant past intact, to bring together people and environment and industry, and to truly make this a gem of Vancouver. Below are 4 aspects of the design of today's Granville Island that have been a part of this vision.
1. Open Windows – Granville Island was designed to let visitors see how things are created. Big windows were added to places where production happens. So you can see doughnuts being made, glass being blown, theatre sets being built and beer being brewed as you walk around the island.
Photos by Christine McAvoy
2. A Home for Artists and Artisans – In many shops on Granville Island you are talking to the artists and artisans who have created what is for sale. Whether it is sculpture, painting, leather or jewelry, it is likely made on Granville Island.
3. So Many Communities in One Place – The original vision for Granville Island saw a place of multiple uses: Food Markets, Art Schools, Industry, Maritime Heritage and more. Today you can still find all of these different communities as they find new and interesting ways of working together.
4. Old Tin Shacks – The corrugated factories of Granville Island are a visual link to Vancouver’s industrial past, and they look pretty cool. These old buildings are the foundation of the Island’s aesthetic and even new buildings are designed to emulate the industrial character of Granville Island.
Many of the newer shops, like Liberty Distillery (which we brought you inside with THIS video) have installed newly updated tin, keeping with the original character.
Learn more about everything Granville Island giving HERE.
