Barry Downs

Barry Vance Downs OC (June 19, 1930 – July 19, 2022) was a distinguished Canadian architect and urban planner renowned for his significant contributions to West Coast Modern architecture. Born on June 19, 1930, he returned to Vancouver after completing his degree in 1954 and began his career as an apprentice at the esteemed Thompson Berwick and Pratt and Partners architectural firm.

During his time there, Downs interacted with influential architects like Ronald Thom, Doug Shadbolt, and Freddy Hollingsworth, shaping his early views of West Coast Modern architecture. Emphasizing organic texture and form while maintaining minimalist principles, his work moved away from design austerity.

In 1956, Downs embarked on an architectural tour worldwide with his wife, visiting iconic landmarks like Frank Lloyd Wright's houses and Le Corbusier's Unité d'habitation in France. These experiences further fueled his passion for modernist architecture.

He later partnered with Hollingsworth from 1963 to 1967 before establishing DA Architects + Planners with Richard Archambault in 1969. Downs became noted for his understated exteriors, creating a seamless integration of space and nature—a hallmark of modern architecture in the Pacific Northwest.

In the 1990s, Downs played a crucial role in redeveloping the site of Expo 86 along False Creek, transforming it into the largest private development in North America at the time.

In recognition of his contributions to architecture, he received the Order of Canada in 2014. Specifically lauded for his pioneering work in West Coast Modernist style and his ability to harmoniously blend buildings with their surrounding natural landscapes.

Throughout his career, Downs also served as a member of the City of Vancouver's civic design and heritage panel, leaving a profound impact on the architectural and planning landscape. Barry Vance Downs passed away on July 19, 2022, leaving behind an enduring legacy in the world of architecture.