Green Roof of the Vancouver Public Library

About 6 months ago I woke up and drew the blinds in my hotel room and marveled at the gorgeous view of the Central Library of the Vancouver Public Library and it’s Green Roof. I quickly snapped a picture and posted it on Instagram to freeze this moment in time and to share it with others.

http://instagram.com/p/RJRsskqsfw/

Just a couple of weeks ago, Marya Gadison, Coordinator of Marketing and Communications of the Vancouver Public Library contacted me for permission to use that picture on the Vancouver Public Library site. She connected me to Shelagh Flaherty, Director, Library Experience. When I told her about my passion for gardening and interest in the Green Roof.  On a day full of press releases, public announcements and meetings, Shelagh was kind enough to give me a chunk of her time so I could learn more about their plans to find new ways to develop space where people can connect, learn, create, and contribute. 

Can you tell me a bit about the background about the Green Roof at the Central Library of the Vancouver Public Library?

The construction of the Central Library began in 1991.  DA Architects and Planners, then known as Downs/Archambault & Partners, was among the local firms that contributed to the design of the building.  While the model included a garden on the roof the city had not budgeted for this project. Those plans changed and we enlisted renowned and innovative landscaping architect, Cornelia Hahn Oberlander to design our green space.

Can you tell me a bit more about it’s purpose?

While the Library is a public place the roof top garden was not meant to be a place for people to walk around.  In fact, there isn’t even a fence around it or any walking paths.

There are several benefits to having a green roof:

• Increase the total mass of living matter in a given unit area
• Reduce air pollutants
• Reduce cooling requirements for the Library roof
• Stores and delay storm water run off

How much care goes into the Green Roof?

The Green Roof requires very little maintenance. The plants in the garden were chosen because they were self-sustaining. We have had the same plants since the Green Roof was created and they are flourishing.  (The majority of the BC native plans up on the green roof are blue and green fescue bunchgrass to represent the Fraser River and kinnikinnick, which represents the higher elevations of the land.) If you view the roof from above you’ll see that the design of the garden is made so it looks like the Fraser River.  

Arial view of the Green Roof at the Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library

Do you have plans to create green space at the Central Branch?

In 1991, to secure funding, we leased the top two floors the Provincial Government, which they use as offices.  This agreement ends in 2015 and our hope is to have those two floors converted into public green space.

We are lucky enough to have Cornelia back on board to design the new green space for the Central Library Library.  The residents and visitors of Vancouver can expect something that reflects Vancouver, which will be accessible and is self-sustainable.

What developments can we expect in the next coming years?

We recently released our strategic plan to expand community space. Our vision is to create a free place for everyone to discover.

The newest branch will be located on the 700 block of East Hastings.  Partnering with the YWCA, this LEEDS building will also have social housing for women and children. 

Scheduled for completion for the end of 2014, the Central Library will be unveiling a digital media space (3,000 square feet), which as been dubbed the “Inspiration Lab”.  Residence and visitors may have access to a digital recording studio, video editing software and workstations, an interactive music lab and more.

While the population in the Vancouver’s Downtown Core continues to increase the City of Vancouver actively consults with the public and planners to find ways provide public green space.  I encourage everyone to participate in the planning of these initiatives as it affects the residents and visitors of this terrific city.

Photo Courtesy of Alison J Dodd

Additional Notes:

Vancouver Public Library is one of the city’s longest institutions.  Established in 1887, it continues to serve the public and has nearly 350,000 active card holders across 22 locations and online at VPL.ca through ebooks, databases and other digital services. VPL recorded more than 6.5 million visits in 2012; patrons borrowed nearly 10 million items, including books, ebooks, CDs, DVDs and magazines.

VPL is supported by the City of Vancouver, and is dedicated to meeting the lifelong learning, reading and information needs of the residents of Vancouver.

To learn more about the Vancouver Public Library, including their development plans, please contact:

604-331-3603

vpl.ca

You may also be interested in:

Trish's Pink Diner

Filmgo

Coming Up Soon - Vancouver Public Library Green Roof interview

I'm back with a vengeance.  Okay, that sounded a bit extreme.  Let's say I'm back, excited, and enthused to start up this blog again. 

The other day, Marya Gadison, Coordinator of Marketing and Communications for the Vancouver Public Library contacted me about a photo I had posted on instagram of their amazing green roof.  After mutually gushing about this terrific space we realized there was a great opportunity for me to learn more about the green roof and share it with everyone.  So in the next couple of weeks, I will have a great opportunity to chat with someone that works on this project and will be posting it on my blog.  

Staaaaaay tuned!

You may also be interested in:

Trish's Pink Diner

Filmgo

The Roaring 20's - A Trip to MOV

Last Spring, I went to the Museum of Vancouver (MOV) for the first time.  I went there with a purpose.  I was a woman with a goal.  I wanted to see the "Art Deco Chic - Extravagant Glamour Between the Wars".  With with the release of Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of "The Great Gatsby" in May 2013, it seems like an appropriate time to engage in some re-memories.

After 4 years of war, the world was recovering and ready to celebrate.  Freedom and euphoria, the success of the women's suffrage movement, and the influence of Hollywood and jazz music all had an impact on fashion of the 1920's and the 30's.  The "Flapper" became synonymous with a woman who enjoyed life, was wreckless and thumbed her nose at traditional female norms, was fashionable and not afraid to play up her sexuality. These were worldly women, not ingenues who needed to be protected from the dangerous world.  The Flapper wanted to be part of it all.


Rather than being bound in tight bodices, stiff fabric, and covered in long hemlines, the glamourous fashions in the 20's and 30's were light, lose, and skirts were becoming shorter and more sheer.

The most delicate and intricate beading and embroidery

The style of these dresses was a symbol of the defiance against the culture and rules of the generation before them.  Drop waists, bodices, and skirts draped loosely over the body, which would allow movement.  Silks and chiffon dresses with shorter skirts which were often considered indecent allowed women to dance, and be free, while subtly showing off their gamine figure.  The intricately designed motifs were embellished with beads and embroidery were often influenced by the fascination of the Polynesian Islands, the "Orient" and the Art Deco movement.

The scoop and V shape was used frequently on both the neckline and the back of the dress emphasized the simple straight lines.   The two dresses in the first picture were some of my favourites because of the rich and saturated colour of the fabric and the architectural effect of the draping and design of the back.

Hollywood glamour found it's way into this era's evening wear.  Romantic and glitzy, these dresses were designed to capture the eyes of men and women and the attention of cameras.

I would probably mug women for these outfits.  It is very very likely.

There was something about this saffron yellow dress that just drew me in.  While it was considered daywear, I found it just as glamourous as the beaded silk gowns.  The cut is so simple, the colour is warm and significant, and the fabric is easy and light.  I'm not sure it would look great with my skin (I fear I'd look like I have jaundice) but I'd be tempted to buy it so it was part of my collection (yes, I have a collection of vintage dresses - who doesn't?!)

 

And lastly, these groups of dresses just left me awestruck.  While typically I am not a pastel or monet-like floral type of person the simple and dreamlike effect that the fabric and the patterns make them seem wearable, touchable, and easy.

"Grrrrrrl, you look good".  "What, you mean this old thing?"

No doubt the woman from the 20's and the 30's will be the muse of fashionistas and designers for the next season.  I can't wait to see what's in store for Fall fashion.

I always find a visit to the museum fulfills my need to learn, explore, and discover.  If you're in Vancouver, check out the exhibits at the Museum of Vancouver.

Address: 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9

Phone:(604) 736-4431 

Website: www.museumofvancouver.ca

 

You may also be interested in:

News Flash - C'est La Vie Consignment Boutique

News Flash - Laura aka Off The Racks

Things to do in Palm Springs - Moorten Botanical Garden

Even though succulents and cacti have been the "in" plants for quite some time, I always had an affinity for them.  I remember the first time I received them as a gift I couldn't believe that you only had to water them once every 10 days.  Suffice to say, that pot of plants perished.  Cacti.care.disaster - womp womp.

Ahh, Debbie Downer - always adding a bit of perspective to every situation

So, last year I was in Palm Springs for Coachella and I think going to Moorten Botanical Garden listed higher on my list than seeing Florence and the Machine perform live. When I found out there was a Cacturium (yes, it is an actual term that was coined by the Moortens) I dragged my crew to travel out there on our bikes in the scorching heat.

YES!!!!  I am in the Cactarium!  Okay, I'll calm down.

The botanical oasis have been part of the Moorten family estate since 1938.  Chester "Cactus Slim" Moorten transformed the home he shared with his wife, Patricia, into an emporium dedicated to the world of desert plants.  With over 3000 varieties, from miniatures to giants I was giddy going through all the different types.  I took so many pictures in the Palm Springs desert heat that my iphone actually shut off because it was burning up (I think my friends were, too).

I find succulents and cacti fascinating.  They survive in the most extreme high temperatures with very little water.  When flowers do appear they're vibrant and clothed in cheerful colours; they serve as a reminder that the desert is not an uninhabited, desolate, and deserted land.  Life exists at a different pace in different forms on their own time. Cacti and succulents have the oddest shapes and textures and their peculiar appearance just puts me in a gleeful state.  Can you guess which one is the "Cat's Palm" Cactus, in the series of photos, below?

Now under the care of the second generation of desert plant experts, Clark Moorten continues to share this "living museum of desert lore". If you're a fellow desert plant lover or just want to try something different, I recommend popping by Moorten Botanical Garden if you are visiting Palm Springs.  Bring your camera, some sunscreen, some water, and your wonder.

Contact:  clarkmoorten@yahoo.com or 760-327-6555
Address: 1701 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92264
Hours:  10 am - 4 pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Website:  http://www.moortengarden.com

You may also be interested in:

News Flash - Gardening - August 2011

News Flash - The Saguaro Hotel - Palm Springs

Ahem - yes, I am still here

So after a year hiatus, I have decided it's time to come back to go back to talking about the things that I can't stop talking about.  I have a lot of catching up to do, so without further adieu - my rambling continues.

 

Design by Bubblehezza

The Saguaro Hotel - Palm Springs

I've been visiting Palm Springs every other year since 2008 for Coachella.  Each trip has been unique and amazing.  While driving to finally visit Moorten Botanical Garden, I spotted the most eye catching site in the middle of a dry desert.  Was it a mirage?  I'd never seen this before, and being someone who loves vivid and bright colours, surely this would have been a place that would have been on my must see list.  All I could think about was "What the hell was that!!!  Do my eyes deceive me?"

Photo Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

I was so excited to see this array of colours.  It was like light had hit a crystal and all the rays had splashed in every direction.  The colours just make me smile.  I was filled with wonder and I made sure to jot down a note in my iPhone to follow up on this sight.

Turning the Corner, I caught the name of the hotel:

Photo Courtesy of Artisan Events

So, I did a google search to learn more about this mirage like paradise.  It turns out, I've been hiding under a rock because everyone has been talking about this development.  The Sydell Group celebrated the grand opening just in March of 2012, a month before the annual music festival, Coachella, was underway.  Architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat set out to pay hommage to the bright tones and hues of the desert flowers that somehow, in their own miraculous way, survive under the most extreme conditions.

I can barely contain myself when I looked at the different rooms on their website.

  Photos Courtesy of Hotels.com
 

Oh, and those are just the bedrooms.  You want more - don't worry, I gotcha.  Ladies and Gents, please look to your left and you will see the lobby:

Photos Courtesy of Hotels.com

Please follow me as I take you to take in the wonderful design of the El Jefe dining room, run by Iron Chef Garces.

Photos Courtesy of Hotels.com

And the folks from Artisan Events gave us a grand tour of the Tinto Restaurant.  Check out their amazing pictures:

All Photos Courtesy of Artisan Events

Please be patient, there is much to see, I don't like to be trampled on.  Finally, ladies and gentlemen, we have the pool:

Photos Courtesy of Hotels.com

That concludes the end of this tour.  In lieu of monetary rewards for my terrific service, I do ask that you consider treating me to a one week stay in this cheerful oasis.  Thank you and please come again.