Workplace Culture 
Integrating art into office spaces enhances aesthetics, provides cultural value, and enriches tenant experiences. Here’s a look at some standout art installations in Vancouver’s office buildings and the stories behind them.
Public Art Installations in Vancouver Office Buildings
Broken Column (Pendulum)
885 West Georgia Street – RBC Place – Landlord: Cadillac Fairview
Suspended from the glass ceiling, the pendulum swings through the atrium, aligning with a stationary plinth at one end of its arc. Artist Alan Storey notes that the pendulum’s rhythm mirrors the alpha waves produced by the human brain in a state of rest, offering a calming and meditative experience for viewers.
Also located in the atrium of RBC Place, the Pendulum Gallery hosts 12-14 exhibitions annually. Its current feature, The Lantern City (Jan 27 – Feb 22, 2025) by Leanna Lai Hildebrand, celebrates the Lunar New Year.
Spawn
733 Seymour Street – Vancouver Centre II – Landlord: GWL Realty Advisors
Douglas Coupland’s Spawn is a 30-foot stainless steel sculpture of a salmon, symbolizing Vancouver’s connection to nature. Situated in the Vancouver Centre II atrium, it emphasizes the connection between urban life and natural preservation.
Walking Spectrum
601 West Hastings Street – Waterfront Hub – Landlord: PCI Group
Devon Knowles’ Walking Spectrum comprises 14 angled glass panels featuring hand-painted designs and abstracted collages. The installation changes dynamically with daylight and LED lighting, creating a visually engaging experience that reflects the surrounding environment.
Beyond the Sea, Against the Sun
510 West Georgia Street – Telus Gardens – Landlord: Morguard
Martin Boyce’s installation consists of three chains of hanging lanterns, forming colorful constellations that activate the alleyway. The geometric design is inspired by 1925 abstract trees.
Tile Mural of a Woman and Child
349 West Georgia Street – The Post – Landlord: QuadReal
Paul Huba’s ceramic-tile mural, located near the northern end of the retail concourse, is a designated heritage property. This artwork depicts a timeless connection between a woman and child, emphasizing themes of care and community.
The Postman
349 West Georgia Street – The Post – Landlord: QuadReal
Also by Paul Huba, this carved granite bas-relief originally adorned the Canada Post building and has been carefully relocated. It now resides at the northwest corner of Georgia and Hamilton, preserving its historic significance.
A Parallax View
320 Granville Street – Bosa Waterfront – Landlord: Bosa Development
Situated in the public plaza outside 320 Granville Street, Babak Golkar’s sculpture features chromed steel ring shapes that reflect their surroundings. It was inspired by water and waves, cascading forms which harmonize with the building’s design.
Spirit of Our Ancestors on The Land
1133 Melville Street – The Stack – Landlord: Oxford Properties
Commissioned by OMERS and CPP Investment Board, this work by Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun uses materials like concrete, yellow cedar, and glass to reflect Indigenous heritage and relationships with the land. It stands as a cultural tribute outside The Stack.
Dichroic Vancouver
980 Howe Street – Manulife Towers – Landlord: Manulife Real Estate
Bill Pechet’s Dichroic Vancouver incorporates bands of dichroic glass into the tower’s facades. The glass changes color with lighting and weather conditions, challenging the monochromatic tones of Vancouver’s architecture.
Wheel of Everyday Life
1280 Burrard Street – Burrard Place – Landlord: Reliance Properties
Gunilla Klingberg’s Wheel of Everyday Life is a kaleidoscopic mandala pattern spanning five installations across Burrard Place. The design incorporates urban symbols to create a narrative linking daily life to universal connections.
Untitled (Light Work)
1067 West Cordova Street – Rogers Tower – Landlord: Westbank
Diana Thater’s LED light installation transitions from green to blue as it ascends the building. The design reflects the connection between earth and sky.
Home Edition
700 Hamilton Street – CBC/Radio-Canada Building – Landlord: CBC
Jeffery Chong’s installation recreates his grandparents’ living room, staged as it appeared during a 1964 CBC broadcast. This nostalgic piece explores memory, family, and cultural storytelling.
Spirits in a Landscape
1111 West Georgia Street – FortisBC Centre – Landlord: Holborn Group
Abraham Anghik Ruben’s bronze sculpture reflects the natural world and human activities. Installed outside the FortisBC Building, it celebrates the interconnection between people and the environment.
Overflow IV
595 Burrard Street – Bentall Centre – Landlord: Hudson Pacific Properties
Jaume Plensa’s Overflow IV, a striking stainless-steel sculpture, is now on display at Bentall 3. This internationally renowned piece, part of a collaboration between Downtown Van, Vancouver Biennale, and Bentall Centre, invites viewers to engage with its thought-provoking form, reflecting Plensa’s signature blend of art and public space activation.
The Pod
510 Burrard Street – Landlord: Manulife Real Estate
Located in the building’s outdoor plaza, Rick Switzer’s bronze sculpture of orca whales riding on waves celebrates Vancouver’s marine life and coastal heritage.
The ROI of Art in Office Buildings
For office landlords, investing in art goes beyond aesthetic appeal—it’s a strategic move that delivers measurable benefits:
- Increased Tenant Retention: Unique, engaging spaces make tenants more likely to renew leases.
- Higher Occupancy Rates: Art adds a “wow” factor that attracts prospective tenants.
- Enhanced Property Value: Art contributes to a building’s perceived value, allowing landlords to command higher rents.
- Positive Branding: A commitment to art signals innovation and cultural awareness, boosting the property’s reputation and sense of community.
At Floorspace, we know the right space shapes success. Whether you’re looking for an office that sparks creativity and collaboration or a workplace that elevates your business, we’re here to make it happen. Let’s find your perfect space—reach out today!
