As Vancouver prepares to welcome the world during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the city’s most ambitious and sustainable architectural projects is already taking shape. The PNE Amphitheatre, a mass timber marvel designed by Revery Architecture, has officially broken ground.
Located within the scenic boundaries of Hastings Park, the new PNE Amphitheatre is a bold response to the challenge of integrating large-scale cultural infrastructure into a residential context. At the heart of the project is its architectural centerpiece: a 344-foot-wide starburst-shaped roof made from over 70,000 cubic feet of mass timber. This massive canopy consists of 60 intersecting arches arranged into six sweeping barrel vaults, with some reaching an impressive height of 82 feet. Crafted from Douglas Fir glulam and Spruce-Pine-Fir cross-laminated timber, the structure blends strength, beauty, and environmental responsibility.
But the amphitheatre is more than just a visually striking venue. It will include a permanent stage, a three-story back-of-house support building, and comprehensive infrastructure for food, beverage, and merchandise services. Its seating layout is designed for flexibility, with removable floor seating, relaxed lawn areas, and elevated VIP suites, allowing it to adapt to a wide variety of performances and public gatherings.
The project also represents a significant step forward in sustainable design. It will operate entirely on clean hydroelectric power, reflecting British Columbia’s commitment to renewable energy. Meanwhile, the use of locally sourced mass timber is projected to reduce embodied carbon emissions by 40 percent compared to traditional building materials.
In addition, a rainwater collection system has been integrated into the roof and foundation, ensuring that irrigation needs are met while reducing stormwater runoff, an important concern for the surrounding community.
