The Source is Vancouver’s largest indoor rock-climbing gym. Located downtown, the client wanted it to be both easily recognizable and complementary to the city’s character. The 5,000 sf climbing center offers over 50 routes on its 36 ft. walls and a dedicated “bouldering” area with 14-foot walls for advanced climbers.

For climbers younger than eight, there’s a special mezzanine area that features a 20-foot instructional wall used for classes and private events. With a youth pass, children can challenge themselves on a bouldering wall, with a slide to return them to the bottom once they top-out.

The modern building envelope introduces a striking combination of storefront windows, masonry veneer, and aluminum composite panels to the neighborhood aesthetic. A window, three stories in height, looks onto the canyon-like climbing area, allowing passers-by to catch a glimpse of the activity that is happening inside.