Connecting Guelph A Community driven Farmer’s Market that Reconnects the Speed River and Downtown Guelph
Developing Guelph
Guelph Master Plan for 2050
Urban Planning to create a better future Guelph The site uses objectives described in the Guelph secondary plan to influence the design of the building. Through the creation of a pedestrian highway, downtown Guelph is connected to the Speed River via a scenic route. This elevated path will create unique views of the Basilica and Armory, two of Guelph’s most famous landmarks. By placing the site in the vicinity of multiple methods of alternative transportation, vehicular traffic downtown willl be reduced. The site also adds green roofs and public parks for Guelph’s sustainable aspirations.
Respecting Historic Buildings
Current Basilica Market
City Hall
Downtown and the Speed River Speed River
Police Armory Station
Downtown Guelph
Pedestrian Mews
Alternative Transportation
Bus Stops Bike Paths
Residential Mixed Use Institutional
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Section Through Pedestrian Mews
A Greener Guelph Apartments
Guelph’s Only Green Roof
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Ramp to Elevated Path
Active/Passive Engagements
Apartments
Apartments
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Apartments
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Store Fronts
Store Fronts
Public Parks
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Connecting Downtown to the Speed River via an Elevated Pedestrian Highway
Main Roads
Side Roads
Train Tracks
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Surrey St
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The train tracks running through Guelph act as a major division between Downtown and the rest of Guelph. The creation of an elevated but accessible pedestrian highway begins at the Speed River, through the pedestrian mews, and bridges the tracks to complete the connection with downtown. The city of Guelph hopes that adding more bike and pedestrian paths will increase the use of alternative transportation and reduce vehicular traffic downtown. The local bus and train routes also stop near the site so people from around Ontario can enjoy the community center.
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Pedestrian Highway Elevation Change
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Reconnecting Guelph
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Essex St
Sun Path
Nottingham
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Gordon St
Wind Rose 400ft
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Continuous Path From the Speed River to Downtown Guelph Parking Garage
Tracks
Wilson St
Apartments
Market Space
Restaurant
Pedestrian Bridge
Farquhar St
Mixed Use
Police Station
Mixed Use
Fountain St
Surrey St E
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Wellington St E
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Attracting Diverse Populations by providing a Range of Attractions In order to attract groups of people varying in age, ethnicity, social status, and personal background, the complex will house several different programs including apartments, markets, classrooms, lecture hall, restaurant, and public space. The pedestrian highway that connects downtown with the speed river is ADA accessible so that even people with disabilities may enjoy the elevated views of the city that others may experience. With such diverse activities happening, the site will become a central hub for the city.
Layout of Spaces
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Farquhar St
Urban Community Center
1. Studio Apartment 2. 2 Bedroom Apartment 3. Local Market 4. International Market 5. Market Storage 6. Lecture Hall 7. Backstage 8. Bathrooms 9. Vendor Lockers 10. Vendor Breakroom 11. Classrooms 12. Office Space 13. Meeting Rooms 14. Dining Area 15. Kitchen
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Markets
Access
Wilson St
Apartments
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Lecture Hall Public Park
Storage, Admin, Classes
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Restaurant Market
Lecture Hall
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Back Stage
80ft
Make Guelph Green Again Pursuing Guelph’s Green Ambitions through Parks, Greenroofs, and Forestation
Public Green Space Green Roofs Pocket Forest
The city of Guelph is dedicated to sustainabilty and increasing the amount of green space downtown. The site will do this by creating public parks for active engagements, green roofs that bring nature to the elevated pedestrian path that winds along the building’s roof, and pocket forests around the site. The pocket forests also act as a method of connecting Guelph back to the forestry background that the city and country of Canada were founded on. Public Parks
The Arboretum
Gordon St. 0ft
Apartments
Train Tracks
Market
Outdoor Market
Market
Elevation Along Gordon St.
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Restaurant
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80ft
Armory
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80ft
Culturally Diverse Market Providing Guelph a market that offers a Variety of Products The farmer’s market portion of the site will be a place that encourages the exchanging of goods and conversations. By having a portion of the market dedicated to international stands, the community center will help integrate other cultures and allow the immigrants of Guelph to feel more of a sense of belonging. The pedestrian highway will provide citizens the oppurtunity to learn about their own city’s culture by offering bits of information on plaques spread throughout the path.
A Scenic Pedestrian Connection An Elevated Pedestrian Highway that provides views of Guelph’s Landmarks A pedestrian and bicycle friendly path provides a connection between the Downtown area of Guelph and the Speed River. By gradually raising the height of the path, users of the path will get to enjoy various views of the city and its parks. The path reaches a maximum height of 40’ on top of the apartment building located on the site, enough to successfully bridge the divisive train tracks that seperate the site from Downtown. At this point of the path, a view of the Basilica is created on the southern end of the roof.
A Home for Everyone Densifying Downtown through Mixed Income Residencies In an effort to attract a larger portion of Guelph’s population into the downtown area, the city is zoning out large amounts of residential blocks near downtown to the east of the train tracks. By doing this, Guelph hopes to improve the walkability of the city and create a better sense of community for its citizens. The site features a single apartment building with both studio and 2 bedroom apartments that help create more housing options for the population. With the farmer’s market within sight, the residential building is sure to attract multiple demographics. Apartments Suburbs
Walkability
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20min
1. Studio Apartment 2. 2 Bedroom Apartment 3. Bedroom 4. Bathroom 5.Living Room 6. Kitchen
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Park for Residents
Connection to Downtown
Western Elevation of Apartments
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View of Basilica
Gordon Street 0ft
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