ransforming Vancouver: The Innovative QUBE

Vancouver, BC - April 2, 2025 - In a pioneering effort to enhance urban resilience in seismic zones, the QUBE stands as a groundbreaking project on Georgia Street in Vancouver, BC. Developed with seismic upgrades by Glotman•Simpson, a firm founded in 1964 by Martin Glotman, this engineering company has grown into one of North America’s leaders, employing over 90 professionals, including a strong team of innovative engineers. This upscale 180-unit condominium tower, originally the Westcoast Transmission Building from 1969, was transformed in the early 2000s—completed in 2006—into a unique blend of history and modern engineering, showcasing a suspended design for earthquake resistance. The QUBE remains a significant addition to Vancouver’s architectural landscape, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding lives in a seismically active region."

Seismic Upgrading Challenges

Part of the transformation of the building, originally built in 1968, required it to be seismically upgraded to meet current building code seismic load resistance requirements. However, its status as a historical landmark meant that its unique exterior appearance could not be changed in any way. Specifically, the shape of the core at the bottom of the building had to be preserved, and the client did not want to alter the column-free open floor space that the original design created. This presented a challenge, as most traditional methods of seismic upgrading involve adding walls or columns. The solution also had to be time-efficient, with installation done concurrently with other trades' work.

Innovative Engineering Solutions

Glotman•Simpson, in cooperation with Fyfe, a carbon fiber producer from San Diego, offered the solution to this challenge by using externally bonded composite carbon fiber reinforcing to seismically upgrade the building. This innovative approach allowed for enhanced structural integrity without compromising the aesthetic values of the original design, effectively preserving the building’s historical significance while ensuring the safety and security of its future occupants.

The concrete core was constructed first, with steel cables extending out and below to build the floor plates in descending order. Those steel cables have been stretching slowly since they were installed, resulting in some tilting of the floors. Boasting column-free interiors and a robust earthquake-resistant properties, the building rests on a pedestal, seemingly hovering over the entrance. Because of this, residences actually begin on the fourth floor.

Understanding Vancouver's Earthquake Risk

Vancouver sits on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a major fault line that runs from Northern California to British Columbia. This region experiences moderate to high seismic risk, making it essential for buildings to withstand significant earthquakes. Historical records indicate that powerful quakes strike this area approximately every few hundred years, with the last major earthquake occurring in 1700. Evidence shows a magnitude 8.7–9.2 quake hit on January 26, 1700, with recurrence intervals averaging 200–600 years. Given the potential devastation that an earthquake could wreak on urban infrastructure and lives, the need for innovative designs like the QUBE is pressing.

Conclusion

The QUBE on Georgia Street represents a significant step forward in architectural safety in an earthquake-prone region. As urban populations grow and the threat of natural disasters looms, developing structures that blend cutting-edge technology with practical designs becomes vital. With over 5,000 projects completed in more than 60 years, Glotman•Simpson’s commitment to innovative, cost-effective solutions to complex structural challenges solidifies their role as industry leaders. The QUBE not only protects lives but also sets a precedent for future developments in seismic engineering, ultimately enhancing the resilience of cities like Vancouver.

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