Behold the Fairmont Pacific Rim Vancouver’s new public art installation by Omer Arbel for Bocci.
The Vancouver-based studio, founded in 2005, has traditionally debuted new works at Milan’s international design exhibition each April. This year marks a change: Bocci presented a preview of its latest piece in Vancouver before the Milan show, giving the city an early look at the work.
Bocci assigns numbers to its projects, and the piece known as 16 was first conceived in 2007. At that time, the company’s processes and access to the necessary technologies were not yet developed enough to realize the concept fully. Over the past year, advances in component design and a deeper mastery of glass techniques allowed 16 to move from concept to completion.
“I have imagined what 16 would look like for almost a decade,” said Omer Arbel. “It is wonderful to now see it coming to life and prominently placed in Vancouver.”
16 features an armature of stainless steel forms that evoke the silhouette of trees. Each form is topped with large illuminated glass “leaves” composed of three hand-poured layers—milk white, transparent grey, and clear—poured sequentially so that every leaf has a unique shape. Leaves are paired and mounted on the steel armature using a method comparable to setting cabochon stones in jewelry, creating a refined, jewel-like assembly.
Philip Barnes, regional vice president and general manager of Fairmont Pacific Rim, described the installation as a major cultural addition: “This is an extraordinary work of art, destined to be one of Canada’s most dramatic public art pieces. We hope it becomes a source of pride for Vancouverites and a celebrated landmark in the city.”
Positioned within the Fairmont Pacific Rim’s public spaces, 16 combines artisanal glassmaking with engineered structure to produce an installation that balances technical ambition and aesthetic presence. The piece’s layered glass surfaces diffuse light in subtle, varying ways, offering visitors a shifting visual experience throughout the day and into the evening.
By presenting 16 in Vancouver ahead of its traditional international debut, Bocci and Omer Arbel have created an opportunity for the local community to engage with a significant work of contemporary design. The installation highlights Vancouver’s growing role as a destination for public art and design innovation, while reinforcing the Fairmont Pacific Rim’s commitment to supporting creative projects that enrich the city’s cultural landscape.
With its combination of hand-crafted glass, precision metalwork, and thoughtful installation, 16 stands as an example of how contemporary design can transform a public environment—inviting repeated viewing and reflection from both residents and visitors alike.