Image credit: Herzog & MeuronThe Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG) announced that it will not be going forward with the design of its proposed new building and will be bringing in a new architecture partner.Estimates for the the project have now reached $600 million. Anthony Kiendl, VAGs CEO and executive director announced on December 3, 2024, that Herzog & Meuron has been removed from the project, which is taking a new direction.Following the temporary pause of on-site construction activity announced at the end of the summer, we have been reassessing the projects direction. Throughout this process, we have been listening to feedback from our supporters, artists, Members and stakeholders, who are helping to shape the next phase of this transformative project, said Kiendl.In the statement, Kiendl went on to state that VAGs goal is to create a building that embodies a diverse and inclusiveartistic vision while ensuring financial sustainability within a fixed budget.Kiendl also noted that VAG recognizes that inflation has put tremendous pressure on their plans, and as a result, it has become clear that they require a new way forward to meet both their artistic mission and vision and practical needs.For the past decade, we have had the benefit of collaborating with the esteemed Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron on plans for a newGallery. We are grateful for our partnership with them, which has helped shape our thinking around what a museum could look like in the 21st century and provided valuable research that can be applied moving forward, said Kiendl. However, in view of our reassessment, the Gallery Associations Board has made the difficult decision to part ways with Herzog & de Meuron.The statement also noted that at its last meeting, the board approved updated Strategic Priorities that will guide the gallery as they move forward. These underscore our commitment to build a new cultural hub that will be the heart of our communities and serve and inspire diverse audiences, said Kiendl.Kiendl concluded by stating that in the coming months, they will schedule a series of opportunities at the gallery to share more about the next phase of the project and discuss it with its members and communities.The post Vancouver Art Gallery to take new design direction appeared first on Canadian Architect.