PINECREST CREEK RENEWAL
AN URBAN LANDSCAPE MASTERPLAN
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PRELUDE
When the area around Pinecrest Creek was developed, it was a picture of the good life in Canada with its super mall, luxury residential towers and parkway. Today, the neighborhood has changed. Fourty two percent of its residents live alone and 31% are over the age of 60. A third of its children live in low-income families. The parkway and the mowed grass around it are almost half the size of Central Park, but they support next to no life. Since it’s been driven down into a concrete pipe, the brook overflows regularly and pours dirty water into our river. In 2023, the LRT is coming into the neighborhood. It makes it possible to remove the parkway between Woodroffe and Carling, reopen the brook, bring our natural landscape back into the creek, and build new amenities. The new park can feature four-season paths for cyclists, skiers and walkers, as well as people in wheelchairs, scooters and prams. It will have a new urban beach, community gardening spots and an all-abilities sports center to be shared with local schools, health care providers and possibly, Canada’s Paralympic teams. Around the Lincoln Fields LRT station, we envision a mixed-used neighborhood with public spaces, shops, offices, schools and housing. Road and Carling Avenue will have broader sidewalks, cycling lanes and rows of trees, so traffic will move around more slowly – as it does in the Glebe and in Centretown. The area’s many aging towers will be refurbished. Assisted living facilities will be added along the edges of the park, and spaces will planned so that different generations can casually mingle. Reviving this urban creek and developing the neighborhood around pedestrians, not cars, generates a different sort of wealth for our city – one that’s accessible to citizens of all generations and backgrounds. It is a new kind of ‘good life’ for the urban nation we’ve become.
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Lincoln Fields transitway
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WHO LIVES HERE?
SENIOR POPULATION IN CANADA
HIGH PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LIVING IN LOW INCOME FAMILIES
HIGH PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE LIVING ALONE
HIGH PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION LIVING IN HIGH RISES
31 %
34%
43%
52%
2ND HIGHEST
60+YRS
2% 9% 12%
43%
AGE
22% 33% 52%
% ≤ 9 YRS % 10 - 19 YRS % 20 - 29 YRS % 30 - 39 YRS % 40 - 49 YRS
% 50 - 59 YRS % 60 - 69 YRS % 70 - 79 YRS % 80 +
11%
HIGH-RISE
SINGLE
8% HOUSEHOLD SIZES
LOW-RISE ROW
DUPLEX
DETACHED
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INTERNATIONAL SIZE COMPARISONS A memorable urban intervention is proposed to address these issues, so that the National Capital can once again serve as a model and inspiration for the country and the world. The green area at the center of this proposal is of comparable size to a number of famous, successful parks but the shape and form of this design will be unique to this neighborhood, and reflective of what Canada is today. PINECREST CREEK
1 . 5 2 K M2
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GRANT PARK, CHICAGO
1 . 2 9 0 K M2
CENTRAL PARK, NYC
3 . 4 1 0 K M2
HIGHLINE, NYC
0.1602 KM 2.33 KM LONG
LOCAL SIZE COMPARISONS
SIR JOHN A. MACDONALD PARKWAY
EXPERIMENTAL FARM
PINECREST CREEK
Graphic representation of the potential to create a network of pathways through our “interior greenbelt”
L O C A L S I T E C O ML P OACRAI LS OS N I TSE Cfor OM LO P ACcommuting RAI LS OS N I TSE and C Oenjoying M P A R I the S O park N S scene bike
N E C R E S T C R E EPKI N E C RSEPSAT NCO RR E EDPKIIKN E C RSEPSATL A NCN O RSR EDEDO KI KW N ES P AL A NN OSRCDDAO I RKW L ENTEO N L A N SCDAO BRRW LEEN W TEO E RN P A R K C ABRRLEEW TO E RN P A R K
0.453 KM2
0 . 4 503. 0K3M 6 2K M 2
0 . 4 503. 0K30M 6. 22K1M 6 2K M 2
0 . 0 306. 2K1M 60 .2K7 M 5 52 K M 2
0 . 2 1 60 . K7 0M 5 .521 5K8MK2 M 2
0 . 7 05 .51 5K8MK2 M 2
BREWER PARK
0.158 KM2
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MAJOR MOVES
To strengthen the areas of environmental sustainability, economic resiliency and social connectivity, 4 major moves are proposed.
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To restore the creek
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and create a new park, so as to establish a solid and viable green infrastructure spine for the area. We want to return the site’s ability to manage storm water naturally, and improve the overall ecological health of the area.
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To revisit connectivity in the area, including but going beyond the provision of public transit. We’re keen to improve any individual’s ability to move independently, no matter their choice of mode of transportation; and to ensure that vehicular ownership is in no way a requirement for ease of living.
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To balance the amenities offered to residents, mostly using the lands adjacent
to the park and transit station. We want to facilitate the bridging of people diverse backgrounds through a variety of platforms and mechanisms, and improve the economic resiliency of the neighborhood and its residents.
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GOALS 1
Create an accessible, convenient, interconnected system of pathways to bring movement and life to the park
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To offer people of all ages the chance to interact and contribute to the community through place making and new amenities
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Return the site’s ability to manage stormwater naturally, and improve the
overall ecological health of the area.
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Provide more opportunity to people to benefit from their skill sets, whether they are young adults, seniors or immigrants
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CREEK REHABILITATION STORMWATER MANAGEMENT DAYLIGHTING STRATEGY PERMIABLE PAVED SURFACES
OT TA WA R
IVE
STORMCEPTER WATER TREATMENT
R
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2
OTTAWA’S BURIED WATER SYSTEM
3 1 RIFFLES CREEK SLOWING STRATEGY
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Bringing the creek back to health is a cornerstone of this strategy. A kilometer-long stretch of the Pinecrest Creek is currently entombed beneath acres of impervious concrete, resulting in large volumes of water flushing away any hope for aquatic life, and increasing the risk of flooding in the area. A wetland would purify stormwater while providing a healthy home for an ecosystem of plant and animal life. Swales along surrounding roads, green roofing and the integration of stormwater recycling systems in new buildings will further help in turning existing water management issues into a distant memory.
2 VERNAL POOL ECOSYSTEM REVITALIZATION
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ROOT WADS CREEK SLOWING STRATEGY
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4 4 10
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3
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PROPOSED END OF PIPE STORMWATER TREAMENT LOCATIONS MANAGEMENT SEWER OUTLETS
End of pipe treatment locations Sewer outlet
WATERSHED AND TOPOGRAPHY MAPPING
IMPERVIOUS SURFACES IMPERVIOUS SURFACES MAPPING
Hardscape surfaces contributing to accelerated runoff
Proposed stormwater management pools and treatment pond sites investigated by the NCC
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1
3
SWIMMING
PARK REJUVENATION 1
WASHROOMS
VIEWING AREAS ALONG A PATH
RESTING AREAS MULTIPURPOSE SPACE
EXHIBITION AREA
WASHROOMS VIEWING AREAS
WARM SHELTER RESTING AREAS CAFE
WARM SHELTER GATHERING SPACES
ALONG A PATH
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CANOE AND KAYAK
RESTING AREAS MULTIPURPOSE SPACE
2 VIEWING AREAS ALONG A PATH RESTING AREAS VIEWING AREAS
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5
6 5
WARM SHELTER ALONG A PATH
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RESTING AREAS
8 VIEWING AREAS ACCESS TO CREEK ALONG A PATH
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2
Riparian Zone - 30 m Flood Plain Creek Bed
Section though the landscape demonstrating the current ecology and necessary land space to allow healthy water drainage to the creek
At present, manicured lawns extend on both Creating an attractive place to linger and sides of the parkway, and cover an area admire a variety of plant and animal life orem ipsum dolorhalf sit amet, consectetur Curabitur vitae will dui help justo. alleviate Aenean quis ac lorem. Integer ornare lorem vitae almost the size of Central Park. It is of little the heavy footprint that dipiscing use elit. other Aenean posuere orci pretium turpis, id porta mauris. Nunc sit lacus auctor, vel varius sapien venenatis. than providing a scenic background human visitation currently has on Mud Lake. d pellentesque consequat. Integer amet blandit arcu. Phasellus dignissim, Phasellus nec rutrum lacus. Lorem ipsum to watch from a car seat. We seek to restore Connectivity to the LRT station and many theex, environment a burgeoning naturalquis creek amenities viaturpis scenic boardwalks provide ed porttitor at rutrum ofmi. Donec neque faucibus ornare, ante dolor sit amet, an consectetur adipiscing bed, as ansed extension the existing Mudmauris, Lake ideal situation for both and nature itae viverra nulla, aliquet oflectus. lacinia at sodales diam lacus people elit. Proin tris to park. thrive.
CLOSE TO A NEIGHBORHOOD URBAN FARMING
ALONG A PATH
PLOTS
RESTING AREAS
WASHROOMS
GATHERING SPACES
MULTIPURPOSE SPACE
ALONG A PATH
WARM SHELTER
RESTING AREAS
8 BIKE FRIENDLY PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION VIEWING AREAS
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Y
LRT EXTENSIONS + STATIONS 2023 MULTI-USE PATHWAYS SCENIC BOARDWALK
IT TE C INU 5M
CONNECTIVITY
5M
IN UT
TY TE CI INU 5M
This proposal makes public transit and active transportation the more attractive options to move around the neighborhood and across town. It seeks to capture the full potential of these transportation modes to improve business and social cohesion in the area.
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E
TY CI
Parkways were once attractive features of a city as a scenic place to take a leisurely car ride. Today, however, cars are no longer novel luxuries, and Canadians would rather walk, cycle and ski in their recreational time. Replacing the parkway with narrow pathways will give people a more direct experience of nature, and a closer connection to the surrounding areas. Multi-modal pathways throughout the site and broadened sidewalks and bike lanes along Richmond and Carling allow for nature, humans and vehicles to exist in harmony. Symbolically, it will show our appreciation and respect for the natural environment, as well as our commitment to better protect it.
1.5 m
SECTION OF MULTIMODAL PATHWAY
1.5 m
1.1 m 1.1 m
1.5 m
SECTION OF URBAN GARDENING AND PEDESTRIAN PATHS
1.1 m 1.1 m
1.5 m
1.1 m 1.1 m
SECTION OF WINTER PATHS AND SKI TRAILS
3m
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AMENITIES
MULTI-GENERATIONAL SPACES PUBLIC PLAZAS ALL-ABILITIES RECREATION CENTRE COMMERCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE CHILD ECO-EDUCATION PROGRAMS
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OVERALL SITE: 1.3 KM2 0.6 KM2 PROPOSED FOOTPRINT 46% PARCEL COVERAGE RESIDENTIAL
EXISTING: 434 UNITS PROPOSED: 2898 UNITS 688% DENSIFICATION FEATURING TOWER RENEWAL+SENIOR HOUSING
RECREATIONAL
PROPOSED: 45639 M2 FEATURING AN ABILITIES CENTRE
Currently, a majority of the residents of this neighborhood fall into an income bracket below the city’s average, and many are of an advanced age suffering from isolation and lack of support. To remedy this, seniorfriendly, multi-generational spaces are proposed along the park, and an all-abilities recreational centre will promote healthy lifestyles for all bodies. The outdated apartment towers will be refurbished with additions featuring assisted care and community centres, as well as commercial spaces and public plazas. To ensure a prosperous local economy and a higher quality of life, educational institutions and a variety of commercial opportunities will be offered within five-minute walks from LRT stations.
INSTITUTIONAL + COMMUNITY
PROPOSED: 153363 M2 FEATURING A CAREER TRAINING WORKSHOP
OFFICE
PROPOSED: 61986 M2 FEATURING OFFICE SPACE CONNECTED TO LRT STATION, HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL SPACE
COMMERCIAL
PROPOSED: 201434 M2 FEATURING A SHOPPING CENTRE CONNECTED TO ALGONQUIN SATELLITE BUILDING AND STUDENT/SENIOR RESIDENCES
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MORE TIME IN THE PARK LANDSCAPING AND PLACE-MAKING
A series of structures that provide shelter in summer and winter and encourage time spent outdoors. They allow to linger on the paths, hang out in a shady place, warm up during a cold walk and make the park more like a living room in the city. Ranging in size and function, some provide swimming and boardwalks, some have an educational role in terms of Mud Lake protection, some provide viewing platforms, some have gathering spaces, etc. In terms of tectonics, they all have similar structure with roofs designed to collect water to help with the stormwater management in the watershed. 18
SEATING PODS
WATERFRONT BOARDWALK
MUD LAKE ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE
WATER COLLECTION
BOARDWALK
Water collected from the roofs is filtered and recycled inside the pavilions for washrooms and drinking fountains
PAVILION 19
CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Developed in conjunction with students of the Mud Lake Project out of Regina St Public School, the Centre for Environmental Stewardship’s mandate is to cultivate an appreciation for ecologies, particularly in the urban context. Acting as a community hub, anyone is welcome to wander through the building and learn from the students. Continuous movement and indoor/outdoor play spaces encourage physiological education, whether of self or of the coexistent ecologies of Mud Lake.
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Edge of the Ottawa River and the Centre for Environmental Stewardship
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WOODROFFE-LINCOLN HEIGHTS TOWER RENEWAL AGING IN PLACE
The aim of the project is to revitalize the Woodroffe-Lincoln Heights neighborhood through the creation of new systems of support and services that can increase the economic viability of the area, the sense of identity and place in the area, and a connection to the creek and surrounding natural features. The project consists of mixed-use residential buildings, a medical centre, grocery store, community gardens, and landscaping. The project aims to provide an integrated mix of services to the area, which has a large percentage of individuals over the age of sixty who also live alone. The intention is for the proposal to be easily applied to other towers in the surrounding neighborhoods. The concept of ‘aging of place’ fits in well with the neighborhood and is also a key driver for the project. The idea is to move seniors from isolation in the towers to a sense of inclusion through the development of connected outdoor spaces, wandering paths leading to destinations, and clusters of small activity spaces. The proposal aims to strengthen the community and promote a sense of place. The opening up of the Pinecrest will also allow for a connection to the waterways through the site. The WoodroffeLincoln Heights area presents an opportunity to engage the community and revitalize the surrounding towers.
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LINCOLN FIELDS COURTS REVITALIZING LINCOLN FIELDS MALL
Looking at the Lincolns Field Mall, it is a two storey building that sustains but not improves the community. The vast parking lot alienates the common pedestrian from everyday shopping. This project improves this area by creating a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. Several small courtyards surrounded by residential towers and commercial activities form a ring around the public gathering centre of the area. While current businesses, including the grocery store, maintain their status on the site, it is the transformation of the space that will bring new businesses and home-buyers who will give the boost that this area needs for success.
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View of center courtyard in Winter
View of grocery store entrance
Overall masterplan
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THE VILLAGE STUDENT + ELDER HOUSING + HEALTHCARE
Inspired by similar projects in the Netherlands the Village aims to create a mixed community of students and seniors. To make this project possible Algonquin school of Health and Social Science will be relocated to the site between Richmond and Carling avenue. Students will live on the new campus for a reduced rate in exchange for volunteer hours at the retirement home next door. In turn this will provide much needed support for the aging population in the neighborhood. Village will also include a revitalization of Lincoln Fields Shopping Centre which will provide amenities and encourage the economy in the area to grow and thrive. 26
THE VILLAGE
STUDENT / SENIOR RESIDENTIAL
View of walkway between buildings
ALGONQUIN SCHOOL OF HEALTH
SHOPPING CENTRE
View of shopping centre from Carling Ave
GROCERY STORE
HEALTH STUDENTS
RENTAL OFFICE SPACE
SENIORS
IMPROVED EDUCATION & LIVING
INTEGRATED LIVING FOT STUDENTS AND SENIORS PROVIDES A UNIQUE Integrated livingOPPORTUNITY for students FOR STUDENTS AND MUCH NEEDED EDUCATIONAL and seniors provides a unique HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL INTERACTION FOR SENIORS. STUDENTS IN educational opportunity forPROVIDE students THE PERFECT SOLUTION TO PINE THE HEALTHCARE FEILD and much needed healthcare CRESTS AGING POPULATION AND THE CHALLENGES THEY FACE. and social interaction for seniors. Students in the healthcare field provide the perfect solution to Pine Crest Creeks aging population and the challenges they face.
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PARKSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD On the land bound by Richmond Street and Carling Avenue, a sprinkling of apartment buildings rise ominously from concrete stretches of barren parking lots. This environment is a result of the once-attractive “tower in a park” ideal, but now represents bleak living conditions and hostility to pedestrians. This project seeks to refurbish and enliven the existing towers by creating commercial spaces and additional housing, and is safe and accessible for both pedestrians and vehicles. It is intended to serve as the threshold between a lush natural landscape and a bustling urban core, contributing to the area’s economic, social, and ecological prosperity.
View from commercial edge towards creek
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STOREFRONTS + OFFICES ALONG RICHMOND
FAMILY + MULTI-ABILITY ORIENTED HOUSING
COMMERCIAL BUILDING WITH COMMUNITY CENTRE + ANIMAL SHELTER
CONDOS + LOW-INCOME APARTMENTS WITH GROUND FLOOR COMMERCIAL SPACE
COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR BIG BOX STORES + RESTAURANTS
View of creek edge from multi modal pathway
Commercial edge Carling Avenue
seen
from
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LRT CENTERED DENSIFICATION
This is a landscaping and urban architecture project for one of the most intensely used areas of the park. Its paths connect Richmond Street, Carling Avenue and the Lincoln Fields LRT Station. They run along a newly day-lit creek and various pools intended to revitalize the ecology of the area. A pavilion provides a sheltered space to either enjoy a warm day in this now flourishing area, or an evening picnic and movie. On the southern edge of the site, a complex of over 150 residential units will be built, with spacious community rooms overlooking the park to serve the needs of the aging population.
View South-East from creek boardwalk
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ECOLOGICAL ELEMENTS
WELL LIT ACCESSIBLE PATHS
PAVILION
RESIDENTIAL
LRT STATION
VIew of well-lit pathways around the pavilion
Community spaces for the aging population
View of the Creek and LRT running parallel to eachother under Carling Avenue
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PINECREST CREEK PATHWAYS Acting as the circulatory system of the park and surrounding neighbourhoods, the path systems connect the major arterial streets, the park land, the creek and the Ottawa River, while interacting with the newly designed sites and their features. These paths have been separated into multiple speeds and uses. The multimodal path for bikers and faster moving traffic can be used for travel to and from work or simply as a faster route through the neighborhood, while the pedestrian walkway aims to meander and have walkers enjoy the scenery along the way. The paths were designed to enable people of all abilities and ages to enjoy and use the park space. Features such as viewing platforms, Urban gardens, and pedestrian bridges have been implemented along the path systems as well. View of pedestrian bridge South of Carling Avenue
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PEDESTRIAN MULTI-MODAL PATHWAYS
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
URBAN FARMING AND GARDENS
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PINECREST PIER HOUSING Located steps from the future LRT station, this housing, commercial and community complex reacts to the urbanity and tower sprawl of Carling Avenue. It addresses the need for alternative housing for the elderly which extrudes out like fingers into the parkland giving them optimal views of the green space and passerbys. It is oriented away from the main street to cradle the inhabitants and shelter from street traffic. Nearby there is a flood-able plaza which encourages people to convene off Carling Avenue and explore the creek and its flood level. On the West side of the site is a dance hall + rentable space for performances and gathering.
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View looking West along Carling Avenue
HOUSING BIKE DISTRIBUTION LOOKOUT BRIDGE “JUST FOODS” / MARKET DANCE HALL
View displaying the lookout bridge and commercial streetfront of the complex Bike distribution centre near LRT for allowing ease of transportation along the multi-modal pathway
Courtyard framed by housing to allow privacy from the multi-modal pathway and a space to garden
View of housing at night protruding into parkland
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ABILITIES CENTRE South of Carling Street, an Abilities Centre (recreation centre for all age and ability levels, both mental and physical) becomes a social and recreational hub for the Pinecrest neighbourhood. Sitting next to the incoming LRT track, the building serves as a safe barrier from the tracks, without cutting access through the site. Pathways continue onto the building itself, maintaining the path system and allowing visitors to view the revitalized creek and park land. The centre’s close proximity to the high school provides additional facilities for students and further integrates the various age groups in the community. This centre acts as a public landmark for the area and beyond, becoming an integral recreational node along the larger multi-modal system.
South-West view of Ability Centre
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RAISED WALKING TRACK
L2
SPECIALIZED TRAINING SPACE
AQUATHERAPY RAISED WALKING
TRACK BASKETBALL
L2
SQUASH SPECIALIZED
TRAINING SPACE
PHYSIO + REHAB FITNESS CENTRE
CAFE AQUATHERAPY
BASKETBALL
GROUND
SQUASH PHYSIO + REHAB
FITNESS CENTRE
CAFE
GROUND View from Ability Centre exterior balcony into shared recreational courtyard Ability Centre exterior balcony into shared recreational courtyard
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WOODROFFE HIGH SCHOOL + ARENA
South of Carling, the neighbourhood’s existing high school inefficiently uses prime real estate adjacent to Pinecrest Creek, resulting in a barren landscape, poorly serving the neighborhood. This development maximizes the site potential by removing and replacing Woodroffe High School at the North corner, opening up the land for new amenities. An arena and Abilities Centre frame the site creating a shared courtyard between the new facilities and the high school, accessible to all demographics of the area. This space is connected to the network of pathways, allowing for uninterrupted access to the creek Existing amenities on the site are maintained with additional outdoor leisure spaces enhancing the surrounding public space. Students are now more connected to the community with increased potential for social interaction.
MAIN
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CONCESSION BOOTH
CHANGE ROOMS & STORAGE
ICE RINK
UNDERGROUND PARKING ENTRY
FIELDS 36,000 SQM HIGHSCHOOL 11,776 SQM HOCKEY ARENA 3,868 SQM ABILITIES CENTRE 30,393 SQM SITE AREA: 112,000 SQM EXISTING SITE COVERAGE: 6% PROPOSED SITE COVERAGE: 37%
L4
L4 CLASSROOMS
L3
CLASSROOMS
L3
L2 GYM
LIBRARY CAFETERIA OFFICE
MAIN
ART THEATRE MUSIC
View from ability centre to Woodroffe High School
L2 GROUND
GROUND
GYM
LIBRARY CAFETERIA OFFICE
MAIN
ART THEATRE MUSIC
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