For this busiest port of entry in Western Canada, our design challenge was to find the perfect balance of aesthetics and function.
Ratio was commissioned to design the Pacific Highway Border Crossing in time for the opening of EXPO 86 in Vancouver, BC. This would become the busiest port of entry in Western Canada, so it needed to facilitate the flow of traffic and people. It would also be a cultural landmark that welcomed thousands as they crossed the border for a visit or on their way home.
We designed a unique 125-metre long warren truss to span the length of the border crossing and anchor the entire facility. From where it sits above the base buildings, the truss serves as both central design element and practical centre of the facility, simultaneously. The clean, linear design makes the facility easy to navigate, red colour accents welcome visitors into Canada, and the offices and administrative spaces fit neatly within the truss itself.
Location
Surrey, BC
Completion
1986
Project Value
$12,000,000
