Modern House Tours

The West Vancouver Museum and Archives and the Vancouver Heritage Foundation have announced their respective annual modern house tours.

The West Vancouver tour happens next month, on July 11, and will feature both contemporary and vintage modern architecture. The cost has understandably increased this year (to $100) and includes bus transportation and a wine reception at the end of the day at one of the featured houses. Last years' reception was held at the recently refurbished Forrest Residence, designed by Ron Thom in 1963.

Vancouver Heritage Foundation's Mid-Century Modern tour takes place on October 3 and, like West Vancouver's, will feature bus transportation and a reception at the end of the day at one of the houses. Last year's reception was at a Duncan McNabb-designed residence where Peter Oberlander gave a thoughtful talk that painted a rich portrait of the history of the modern movement in Vancouver.

The line-up of houses for both tours in past years has been excellent. It's a great chance to experience some of the city's unparalleled trove of modernist architecture.

Image: Stager Residence by Barry Downs, courtesy Vancouver Heritage Foundation

Peter Oberlander (1922-2008)

Sad news for Vancouver's architectural community and the city itself– on December 27, 2008 Peter Oberlander passed away. Read the text of an appreciation by the Oberlander family that recently appeared in Canadian Architect.

There is also an interesting interview by Jim Donaldson of McGill University with Peter and Cornelia Oberlander, completed in February, 1998.

I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Oberlander speak last fall at the Vancouver Heritage Foundation's Modern House tour. Standing in an early Duncan McNabb-designed home, he discussed his old friend (McNabb) and the urban development and advent of modernism in Vancouver. The talk was informal but personal and very enlightening, shining a light on the city he had so much influence on and commitment to.