Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia (1974-1982)
Dates of creation
1970-1995
Level of archival description
Project
Extent and Medium
0.20 l.m. of textual records
886 photographic material
102 drawings (including 5 original drawings)
Scope and Content
Project series documents Cornelia Hahn Oberlander's project for the landscape of Robson Square Provincial Government Complex in Vancouver, British Columbia. Oberlander worked on this project in 1974-1982 with architect Arthur Erickson and architect Bing Thom. The project consisted in designing a new provincial civic complex that included a courthouse and provincial government offices. The initial plan consisted in a 55-storey highrise. Arthur Erickson suggested to lay the building on its side and spread it accross three city blocks (known as Block 51, Block 61 and Block 71) and add a green roof to create linear park. Oberlander's ideas for the landscape concept was to create a space accessible for everyone that will be attractive and interesting in all seasons. Her design consisted in a series of pathways, stairs and terraces, mainly situated on Block 61, and rising gradually up to 30 feets above the Robson street level. The design was intented to "encourage pedestrians to cut accross the urban grid". [1] Planters where included to buildings facades to create a hanging garden using hanging plants.
The project series contains design development drawings and working drawings for the landscape design, such as landscape plans, landscape sections, elevations and details, grading and irrigation plans, and planting plans. The drawings includes in this project series also comprises plans of the complex buildings used as reference. The majority of the drawings are reprographic copies. The series also comprises five original sketches by Oberlander. The project is also documented through interior and exterior photographs of the building, photographs of the landscape and various views of the completed complex. The project series also includes textual records, including documents related to the plants selection, specifications, financial documents, concept development notes of Oberlander, correspondence with architects, clients and consultants, documentation and research material, and clippings and articles on Robson Square project.
Source:
[1] Herrington, Susan. Cornelia Hahn Oberlander: Making the Modern Landscape, University of Virginia Press, 2014, 304 pages. p. 123.
Title: Invoice and correspondence, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1974
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Description:
Original folder entitled "ROBSON SQUARE PROV. LAW COURTS".
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Extent and Medium:
6 textual documents
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Photographs and correspondence, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1984-1995
Form: textual records, photographs
Catalogued items within this file 2
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Ezra Stoller (photographer)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Description:
Also contains financial documents and insurances related documents, plants list, press clippings on the project and some sketches. Original folder entitled "Robson Square '92 to '94".
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Extent and Medium:
0.01 l.m. of textual records
33 internegatives
10 photographs
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Design development drawings and reference working drawings, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1974-1978
Form: drawings, textual records
Catalogued items within this file 5
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Description:
Original folder entitled "ROBSON SQUARE / DESIGN DRAWINGS".
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Extent and Medium:
7 folded reprographic copies
5 reprographic copies
5 drawings
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Concept development notes, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1974-1978
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 3
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Description:
Original folder entitled "Robson Square / CONCEPT WRITTINGS".
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Extent and Medium:
0.01 l.m. of textual records
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Table cross referencing the different spaces and activities, furniture, planting, and surface finishing, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Title: Research and collected documentation, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1970s
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Description:
Original folder entitled "Robson Square / RESEARCH".
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Extent and Medium:
0.01 l.m. of textual records
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Correspondence, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1977-1981
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Description:
Original folder entitled "ROBSON SQUARE 1977-79 / CORRESPONDENCE 1980-1981".
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Extent and Medium:
0.01 l.m. of textual records
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Correspondence, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1974-1976
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Description:
Original folder entitled "ROBSON SQUARE / CORRESPONDENCE 1974-1976".
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Extent and Medium:
0.02 l.m. of textual records
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Plants selection, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1973-1977
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Description:
Original folder entitled "ROBSON SQUARE / PLANT SELECTION".
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Extent and Medium:
0.01 l.m. of textual records
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Articles and press clippings, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1977-1986
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 5
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Description:
Original folder entitled "ROBSON SQUARE / PRESS/PHOTOS".
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Extent and Medium:
0.02 l.m. of textual records
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Correspondence and inspection reports related to plantation, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1979
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Description:
Original folder entitled "71 EXTERIOR LANDSCAPE / HOLLAND LANDSCAPE LTD. / ROBSON SQUARE / HOLLAND LANDSCAPES / CORRESPONDENCE, REPORTS".
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Extent and Medium:
0.01 l.m. of textual records
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Research and press clippings for the Children's Arts and Science Centre at Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1973-1978
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Description:
Original folder entitled "PLAU - CHILDREN'S ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTRE AT ROBSON SQUARE / CORRESPONDENCE, PRESS, RESEARCH".
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Extent and Medium:
0.01 l.m. of textual records
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Program brief design concept, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1978
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Description:
Original folder entitled "ROBSON SQUARE GOUV OF CANADA BLDNG BLOCK 56 / PROGRAM BRIEF DESIGN CONCEPT".
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Extent and Medium:
3 textual documents
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Schematics addendum for the Block 51, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1975
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Extent and Medium:
0.01 l.m. of textual records
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Schematics for the Block 51, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1974
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Extent and Medium:
0.01 l.m. of textual records
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Technical report for the Block 51, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1975
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Extent and Medium:
1 textual document
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Set of working drawings, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1978
Form: drawings
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Stage and Purpose:
record
Extent and Medium:
57 stapled reprographic copies
Dimensions:
sheets: 44 x 56 cm
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Set of working drawings, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1974
Form: drawings
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Stage and Purpose:
reference
Extent and Medium:
25 stapled reprographic copies
Dimensions:
sheets: 88 x 114 cm
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Working drawings, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1978
Form: drawings
Catalogued items within this file 1
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Arthur Erickson (architect)
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Stage and Purpose:
planting
Extent and Medium:
3 reprograhic copies
Dimensions:
sheets: 89 x 111 cm
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Interior and exterior photographs, Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: 1975-1997
Form: photographs
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Extent and Medium:
approx. 860 slides
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Title: Greetings card from Arthur Erickson showing general plan of Robson Square Provincial Government Complex, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates of creation: circa 1974
Form: textual records
Catalogued items within this file 0
People:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (archive creator)
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (landscape architect)
Quantity / Object type:
1 File
Extent and Medium:
1 textual document
Dimensions:
sheets: 28 x 43 cm
Credit line:
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander fonds
Collection Centre Canadien d'Architecture/
Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montréal;
Don de Cornelia Hahn Oberlander/
Gift of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
