The architect behind Vancouver, B.C.’s tallest structure has proposed what could become one of Vancouver’s most geometric buildings next door to the newly renovated BC Place stadium.

Architect James Cheng, as part of an overall redevelopment for the Expo 86 grounds and Plaza of Nations site on the North False Creek waterfront, has unveiled renderings for an all-glass square arch, certainly juxtaposition from the sphered Vancouver Science Center just across the water.

Cheng’s 30-story square-like arch could essentially frame a portion of BC Place between the stadium and the downtown waterfront area. The building, which could house 2,000 residential units, could be part of a 350,000-square-foot commercial, retail, office center, community center, ice rink and sports science center development for the space that hosted Expo 86. The $22 million ice rink would serve as the practice facility for the Vancouver Canucks, which plays its home games next door to BC Place in Rogers Arena. The rink would then open to the public at other times, generating revenue for the city, along with the community center portion of the development.

Developer Canadian Metropolitan Properties Corporation, which has owned the site since 1990, would also upgrade the waterfront, adding in a seaside walkway, bike paths and a public gathering venue for concerts. And all this without a cost to the city.

In October 2011, the Vancouver City Council endorsed the development of the North False Creek area and now the council is being asked to consider zoning changes to allow this proposal to move forward. The Vancouver Sun newspaper reports that it could take a full year for the process to get to a public hearing.

While the development proposal certainly provides plenty for the council and the public to chew on, the most striking feature certainly rests with Cheng’s creation. The Hong Kong-born architect already boasts the tallest building in the city, with the 62-story Shangri-La, also a glass structure. While not as tall, the proposed arch will draw public comment, of that you can be sure.

Follow Tim Newcomb on Twitter here