Taking a leading edge approach to urban issues, Urban Republic identifies opportunities in the urban landscape & proposes solutions, rooted in ideas of urbanism, art & design.

In an age of large-scale development and urban densification, the relationship between individuals, the collective sphere and the built environment is constantly changing. Urban Republic explores these changes through projects that stimulate our collective imagination and probe issues of urban culture. Urban Republic transforms seemingly familiar and generic urban landscapes into vibrant public places.

Nancy Lanthier, The Vancouver Sun

“Surreal display is aimed at making the public aware that our alleyways are under-utilized... If heritage buildings are being preserved in the area, why not also restore the urban space to its original vibrancy?”

OUR PROCESS

  • 01Observe + Explore
  • 02Research + Imagine
  • 03Implement + Influence

How all projects begin.

Urban Republic continually observes the world around us, exploring and questioning the relationships between the built environment, culture shifts and our experience of place. We look for opportunities where the tools of art and design can make a positive impact.

01

Gathering information and inspiration.

Urban Republic probes issues of urban culture, researches the facts and imagines possibilities. We craft projects that enrich our physical environments and social spaces.

02

Making it happen.

Urban Republic moves ideas from the imagination to reality. We build the right team for specific projects and seek out collaborations with creative individuals and organizations. We create work that stimulates our collective imaginations, shifts normative perspectives and inspires new ways we can live better together.  

03
Canadian Architect

“One of Urban Republic’s strengths is the fact that the organization works with people who aren’t architects; they recognize that artists, filmmakers and community leaders can contribute vital and complementary expertise to public projects. With a little more time and a few more projects behind them, Urban Republic will undoubtedly be appreciated by Vancouver for the tremendous value that they have provided in reaching beyond the architectural community as a successful agent of change for the city.”

WHO WE ARE

Urban Republic is a registered non-profit composed of architects, artists, and writers. We develop and implement projects that use the tools of art and design to cultivate a sense of place and opportunities for social engagement. Our work operates at the intersection of art, architecture and urbanism. Urban Republic is also open to collaboration with artists, designers, communities and cultural institutions.

DIRECTORS

    SABINE BITTER

    Sabine Bitter collaborates with Vienna-based artist Helmut Weber on projects addressing cities, architecture, and the politics of representation and of space. Mainly working in the media of photography and spatial installations their research-oriented practice engages with specific moments and logics of the global-urban change as they take shape in neighbourhoods, architecture, and everyday life. Dealing with architecture as a frame for spatial meaning, their ongoing research includes projects like “Educational Modernism” and “Housing the Social”. Sabine also works as Associate Professor at SFU’s School for the Contemporary Arts in Vancouver.

      KITTY BLANDY

      A London-born, Vancouver based artist who regularly exhibits in both locations, Kitty Blandy works predominantly with drawing, sculpture and printmaking. Her work is included in many private and public collections, notably the National Portrait Gallery, London. Kitty has previous experience on boards of non-profit artist run societies and is also a senior artist at Gorman Studios Inc.

        Bruce Haden

        Bruce Haden is a Vancouver architect, Principal of Bruce Haden Architect Ltd. His current work includes the Granville Island 2040 study (with HCMA), a housing densification study for a Tofino site, a feasibility study for a new Squamish municipal hall (with PlotForm), and a house on Gabriola Island. Until January 2015 Bruce was a Principal at DIALOG, one of Canada’s largest practices. He was a leader for DIALOG on multiple widely recognized projects, including the globally published Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre. Bruce graduated from UBC in 1991 with a Bachelor of Architecture and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Gold Medal.

          Brian Wakelin

          Brian has worked in the architectural field for twenty years and holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of British Columbia. He was with Busby Perkins + Will for ten years before co-founding PUBLIC in 2008 to focus on platforms for education and civic engagement. As the youngest of three boys, he learned his negotiation skills early at the dinner table and his strength lies in his ability to build consensus among stakeholders while leading a creative and clear design process.

          FOUNDERS & EXECUTIVE

            HENNING KNOETZELE

            Henning has been involved in public art / architecture projects in Germany and Canada. Henning received his Dipl. Ing in architecture from the Bauhaus University in Weimar. In 2000, he moved to Vancouver where he works in the field of architecture and continues to create public art / architecture installations.

              PEEROJ THAKRE

              Peeroj has been involved in public art/architecture projects since 2004. She is a registered architect with nine years of experience in designing cultural and public buildings and recently founded the firm, ph5 architecture inc. Peeroj is also a regular guest critic at UBC School of Architecture and has taught at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design.

              Brian Lynch, The Georgia Straight

              “If Balloon Caught’s spirit is as expansive and illuminating as its physical presence, and if Frontier Space helps us reimagine the places where Vancouver was born and began to grow, then perhaps our city will have taken an important step towards adulthood.”

              SPONSORS

              Urban republic is always looking for new sponsors who like to be involved in innovative projects.

              Azure Magazine / Bing Thom / Gastown Business Improvement Society / Inform Interiors / Light Resource / MCL Motors Cars / Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia / Royal Architecture Institute of Canada / TRTrades / Vancouver Foundation / Western Economic Diversification Canada

              Thank you!

              Twenty + Change 02

              “The Gastown Drive In, with some brilliant lateral thinking, suggests how to make a gathering place out of a parking garage while it lies fallow at night.”

              CONTACT US

              Urban Republic is open to collaboration with artists, designers, communities and cultural institutions. For media inquiries, please contact us.

              GET IN TOUCH

                CONTACT DETAILS

                Lisa Rochon, The Globe and Mail

                “One of the most encouraging testaments of an architecture competition that works.”