American Plaza at the Peace Bridge Border Crossing Master Plan Buffalo, NY
Responsible for the development of a masterplan and presentation materials for a masterplan for the Peace Bridge originating from a traffic study commissioned by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. The proposal consisted of a multi-functional complex including: an administrative building, duty-free shop, and commercial and maintenance buildings. Building shapes and positions were generated to maximize the flow through the complex to and from the Peace Bridge.
Canadian Plaza at the Peace Bridge Border Crossing Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
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Landmark design celebrates a cultural heritage that stretches back over centuries Considered as one of the great gateways that link Canada and the U.S., the Canadian Plaza at the Peace Bridge Border Crossing handles about five million car and 1.5 million truck crossings annually supporting some $30 billion in cross-border commercial activity every year.
Creative Design Few projects have generated as much unilateral respect from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Justice Facilities Jury as this border-crossing facility has. The AIA Jury commented that the project “celebrates the act of crossing into a new country with a powerful iconic image that is deeply rooted in a local vernacular of traditional wood and stone.”
International Network Creative Design With the need to reduce congestion and increase capacity at the Peace Bridge, the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority (The Authority), an international entity consisting of, the State of New York, with the consent of the United States Congress, and by the Government of Canada classified this gateway as a redevelopment priority for the governments of both countries. Creative Design Through an ‘Open Competition’ NORR’s sculpturally evocative design was selected as the preferred project solution. The design reflects a new image of confidence and sophistication, while paying homage to regional history and providing a significant expression of Canadian sovereignty.
Integrated Services NORR’s integrated in-house design team took into consideration the need for the efficient flow and movement of traffic with particular attention to maintaining complete operation of the existing crossing throughout the construction stage of the project. .
Supported on slender steel columns, a dramatic sweeping wood canopy with extensive cantilevers marks the Canadian Plaza. The form evokes both the shape of the Indigenous peoples’ long house structure and canoe, one of the earliest forms of transportation used to cross the Niagara River at this location.
Managing Complexity
Leading Edge Technology
The building program included: a Travellers Operations building housing the Canada Border Services Agency; a shared facility for the Refugee Processing Unit (non-governmental organization (NGO)) and Newcomers Centre and the Peace Bridge Authority Administration Building.
In contrast to the light sweeping wood shaped canoe roof canopy; 15 radial post-tensioned concrete units form the much heavier canopy that extend across the plaza over the vehicle inspection area and toll booths. This form evokes the stratified rock outcroppings common to the surrounding Niagara peninsula.
Heritage Expertise The client expanded the project’s program during the design process to include a historical museum of native aboriginal artifacts found on the site during construction, connecting the finished design to the specifics of both place and time. Integrated Services NORR’s interior design solution for the various buildings incorporates soft earth tones of wood and natural stone found throughout the project site and its immediate surroundings. A skylight running the length of the main multi-storey building provides natural light to penetrate the building’s timber structure creating a welcoming character rarely achieved in a security-conscious institutional building.
Rigorous Engineering The Refugee Process building includes a medical examination area for travelers who may carry lifethreatening infections or re-emerging infectious diseases. To eliminate the potential of any air borne viruses and cross contamination of other areas of the building, the space was designed using a negative air pressure system.
Managing Complexity As a result of our specialized knowledge and best practices involving secure building types, a phased construction plan was developed in conjunction with the client, regional stakeholders and general contractor to ensure minimal disruption to both traffic flow and ongoing operations.