Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Revery Architecture has unveiled designs for the Squamish First Nation’s extensive proposal to build upon their land in Vancouver, Canada.

Spearheaded by Revery and local developer Westbank Corp., the project named, “Sen̓áḵw” after the site it occupies, is expected to cost an estimated US$2.2 to $3 billion.

Sen̓áḵw is the native American word for ‘the place inside the head of False Creek.” The site was an important hub for native trade, commerce, social relationships, and cultural practices.

Revery Architecture has depicted an unconventional vision for this development.

Located near the foot of the Burrard Bridge, the cluster of towers, with their undulating balconies and “fins” will make an instant mark on Vancouver’s skyline.

This landmark development—planned as primarily rental—comprises 12 towers, the tallest of which will be 56 stories. With a total floor area of 4 million sq.ft., the project will be built in several phases over five years.

In a momentous milestone for indigenous economic development, the Squamish Nation has entered into a long-term 50-50 partnership with private developer, Westbank, to build a 6,000-unit mixed-use community development on Vancouver’s False Creek waterfront directly across from the city’s downtown.

While stringent City of Vancouver zoning bylaws limit most buildings in the Kitsilano area to five storeys, the First Nation can develop reserve land independent of traditional zoning and lengthy application and review processes.

This landmark development—planned as primarily rental—comprises 12 towers, the tallest of which will be 56 storeys. With a total floor area of 4 million sq.ft., the project will be built in several phases over five years.

With its goal of a low-impact carbon footprint, the development highlights the rich, natural elements of land and sea integral to Indigenous culture, fusing the social, cultural, environmental, and economic drivers of sustainability.

Sen̓áḵw’s residential density will be supported by community parks, commercial and amenity spaces incorporated into the landscape at ground level, on accessible rooftops, and in the buildings.”

The neighborhood will run on a district-wide low-carbon energy generation network, and a rapid transit terminal for bus and light rail services is also being planned.

The development holds significant importance in the context of the historical treatment of indigenous peoples in the Vancouver area: “This is a government doing a project that has a particular history of injustice in the removal of our ancestors in 1913, who were evicted by the provincial government at the request of the Vancouver parks board and the City of Vancouver,” said Squamish Councilor Khelsilem.

Khelsilem was elected to represent the Squamish People on the Squamish Nation Council, making him the youngest member of the Council.

Khelsilem believes that vision and leadership that empower those who need it should be included in the crisis of our times.

Architects: Revery Architecture
Developer: Westbank Corp.
Client: Squamish First Nation