In 1975, the Provincial government proposed a municipal center building in the heart of Vancouver. The proposal included a tower that was over 200 meters (682 ft) tall. Opponents worried that the tower would cast a “dark shadow” over the heart of the city, and interrupt the skyline that was, until then, preserved. The CACV worked to secure an alternate proposal from legendary architect Arthur Erikson.
When Erickson described the project he said, ‘This won’t be a corporate monument. Let’s turn it on its side and let people walk all over it.’ He anchored it in such a way with the BC courts, the law, at one end and the museum (Vancouver Art Gallery),the arts, at the other. The foundations of society. And underneath it all, the government offices quietly support their people.
Today, Robson Square also houses a University of British Columbia campus, community ice rink, public art installations and multiple public court yards for the community to gather.