About the architects 

McFarland Marceau Architects (MMA) is leading the design of the new school. MMA was selected through a competitive request for proposals process, which evaluated firms based on their experience, design approach, technical expertise and understanding of the project and community context.

MMA is a local Vancouver firm with experience on school projects, including the design of Nelson Elementary and Wier Elementary. They are leaders in sustainable design of civic facilities.  

Proposed design 

The proposed design of the elementary school in Olympic Village seeks to increase the height so that it can accommodate a school population of 630 students, which is considered necessary to serve the Olympic Village neighbourhood given current enrolment pressures.  Given the restricted dimensions of the site area set aside for the school, the new school will require four stories, instead of three, resulting in a height of 18.8 meter. The proposed design also includes roof-top covered play area to off-set the lack of dedicated play areas on the ground level. 

View the architectural drawings below.

Traffic management 

A Transportation Assessment and Management Study (TAMS) has been commissioned by the VSB. TAMS evaluates how a proposed development may affect transportation in the surrounding area and identifies measures to support safe, efficient and sustainable travel.

The TAMS evaluated:

• How students, staff and visitors are expected to travel to and from the site
• Potential impacts on nearby streets, sidewalks, bike routes and intersections
• Traffic safety considerations, including school pick-up and drop-off activity
• Access for walking, cycling, transit and vehicles
• Strategies to reduce car use and manage travel demand, such as active transportation and transit improvements

View the TAMS on the city’s website.