THE BIG IDEA
Nine New Community Centres that Challenge and Inspire
The Big Idea
Our nine new community centre designs are as unique as the locations and the communities they serve.
Each design is driven by a singular big idea that brings clarity to the experience, supports the project goals and creates memorable spaces.
In an increasingly homogeneous urban environment, our aim is to elevate the quality of civic architecture by reflecting the unique character, values and identity of a community.
We had fun with our graphic collaborators, Doublenaut Design, illustrating these nine special places. We also acknowledge the important contributions of our landscape design colleagues and engineering teams. Consider this document to be an inspiration and a challenge to build public architecture that is as meaningful as it is beautiful.
Turn the page to begin exploring “The Big Idea”!
Shape
A sloping site offers so many opportunities. In our design journey for the Carrville Community Centre, we discovered that having restraint is the key. A simple dynamic roof form floats above the slope, shelters the various programs and organizes the site. The roof is carved to signify entry points, define experience and control daylight.
Carrville Community Centre, Library, and District Park Vaughan, Ontario
Activity and Program
Partially dug into the ground, the building mediates between two levels. The lower level contains the pool, gym and fitness area. On the upper level are the multipurpose rooms, track, library and childcare centre. In the plan, the landscape and building are structured around a continuous east-west promenade, connecting the front door of the community centre to the park beyond and putting community programming on display.
Gathering
Users will gather and move along a continuous promenade that begins in the interior common areas and extends out through the site. This blends the building and the park into a seamless experience.
Every space is thoughtfully designed for maximum inclusivity, ensuring that people of all abilities are welcomed and supported. The facility is on track for Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification.
Performance
A continuous ribbon of glass establishes a horizon line that offers panoramic views to the park. This strategic and economic use of glazing is part of a passive strategy that supports the Net Zero goals of the project.
An 80% reduction in CO2 emissions related to building operations will be achieved through a combination of design strategies including efficient, allelectric mechanical systems and a highperformance envelope.
Shape
Unexpected design moments in a city are always a delight. The public plaza for the Wallace Emerson Community Centre, and the two colourful pavilions that shape it, provides such a moment. Together, the community centre and the park building form a gateway that introduces the park to the urban context, providing a unique public realm that can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons.
Emerson Community Centre Toronto, Ontario
Wallace
Activity and Program
The new park and public realm were designed to bridge the needs of an established residential neighbourhood and an emerging high-rise development. Program spaces activate this new urban context and provide distinctive public realm conditions on all sides, including a tree-lined boulevard, an animated laneway, a sheltered plaza, a children’s garden, and a skate/walking trail.
Gathering
The challenges of a tight urban site inspired an innovative stacked program model. A vertical journey will take users from the ground floor aquatics and child care centre to a second floor gym, and then up to an outdoor roof track. This concentration and exposure of program inspires participation and captures the spirit of an active community.
Engagement
Residents provided a clear community portrait that needed to be respected in the engagement process. Multiple sessions offered a deep dive into the life of a diverse community. This was instrumental to the shaping of a very contextual and inclusive design.
Layer
Occasionally an opportunity arises to make good on past city building mistakes. The broader goal of this project is to bring order to a random suburban context that did not offer the intensity of urban life nor the respite of nature. The concept creates four distinct layers of use that mediate between clearly defined urban and natural environments. A series of timber frames define the main public space, capturing views of civic life against the backdrop of nature.
South Common Community Centre and Library Mississauga, Ontario
Activity and Program
To accommodate new and existing outdoor programs on the irregularly shaped site, the architecture adopts a stepped massing of four discrete programmatic bars. Each bar is clearly expressed as a mass and supports a distinct programmatic grouping (library, public gallery, gym and fitness, aquatics). Users travel perpendicular to the programmed bars, experiencing all of them as they move from a civic forecourt towards a verdant wood lot.
Gathering
A glass-covered circulation spine integrates a large-scale brise soleil made of perforated metal to create a textured urban lantern. This central space binds all three main activities, creating a gallery where the community can enjoy better connections to the park, and program areas. The result, we believe, will foster a new sense of ownership and pride.
Engagement
This facility is replacing an existing, well-loved community space. Residents wanted expanded programming, stronger connections to outdoor spaces and a place for civic gathering. They asked for inclusivity and equity, which is supported by universal accessibility throughout and specific program spaces that can accommodate the city’s most vulnerable population.
Stack
Necessity does lead to invention. On this very constricted site, the best solution was to minimize the footprint, stack the program and maximize the park area. This innovative approach provides diverse programs on a restricted site within a building form that offers an urban landmark.
North East Scarborough Community Recreation Centre & Child Care Centre
Scarborough, Ontario
Activity and Program
The building features four levels: a gym and track stacked above aquatics, fitness, and multipurpose spaces and a roof terrace. The childcare centre and welcome counter occupy the ground level.
A series of interconnected pathways and public gathering spaces around the building help activate the edges and create a safe and intuitive passageway for the surrounding community.
Gathering
The community will gather at the vertical, daylit atrium spaces along the main circulation spine. They will have complete visibility of the stacked program spaces as they move up and through the community centre.
Outdoor terraces carved into the building’s main volume help to define programmable rooms, break down the massing of the three storey building and bring light and park views deep into its interior spaces.
Performance
Apart from freeing valuable land, this design provided a compact building mass and a lower ratio of building envelope to enclosed program. This is a critical element in supporting the building’s CAGBC Net Zero Building Design strategy.
Net zero energy and emissions will be achieved through mechanical efficiencies, such as air source heat pumps, an enhanced building envelope and an extensive photovoltaic array over both roof and surface parking areas.
Cluster
Imagine setting up camp in the woods with tents informally gathered around the fire; that was our inspiration for this project, which was designed to reflect a community’s image of itself.
We proposed three distinct sloped roof enclosures, all clustered and focused on a central hearth space.
Georgina, Ontario
Georgina Multi-Use Recreation Centre
Activity and Program
The size and form of the three main buildings were generated by the programs of library, pool and gym/track.
Extensive discussions with operators and accessibility committees informed an approach to inclusive and accessible design throughout the entire facility through the inclusion of gender neutral change rooms, universal washrooms, and clear wayfinding techniques.
Gathering
The three main activities come together to frame a public heart—a flexible community gathering space with a view onto every program offering. This carefully considered configuration creates program opportunities for informal community events, markets, movie nights, cultural celebrations and just plain old hanging out.
Identity
When we spoke to the town residents, we learned of their unique sense of place. The three pavilions are each designed with a solid upper structure and simple sloping roof profile. Each program sits within a lofty space featuring a warm wood-lined interior and a durable metallic exterior. These simple architectural forms were inspired by the regional vernacular of boat houses, cottages and farms that occupy this semi-rural vacation spot in Southern Ontario.
Raise
It is time to rethink how we provide community infrastructure in dense urban centres. Here, a bold new partnership raises community services onto the podium of a high-rise residential development. A cascading staircase and bright mosaics invite residents up from the street to explore a range of recreational programs.
One Yonge Community Recreation Centre Toronto, Ontario
Activity and Program
The podium fit-up accommodates the City of Toronto Big 5 program template that includes aquatics, universal change rooms, gym, multipurpose rooms, fitness, nutrition kitchen, administration and lounge spaces.
Our plan navigates the structural requirements of an 81 storey mixed-use tower by providing an efficient circuit around the central building core clad in warm, ribbed wood panels. This looping passage takes visitors on an engaging journey through the varied program offerings at One Yonge.
Gathering
The design celebrates the passage from the busy street up to the second floor. The inviting, open atrium space entices visitors to gather and to wander up to explore the recreation programs.
A distinctive stair and colorful mosaic tile murals, designed in collaboration with Doublenaut Design (just like this book), enliven the experience. With their reference to Toronto parks and urban landmarks, these whimsical murals celebrate the city and bring out the kid in all of us!
Engagement
This was a new residential area with emerging population growth. The patterns of use or need were not clear enough to influence the program or design. In response, the planning allows for programming flexibility through the inclusion of more multipurpose rooms, open public recreation spaces and a range of group exercise spaces. The mix allows the programmers to tailor the services to evolving demands within a facility that acts as a silent partner supporting many possible futures.
Insert
In a dense urban context, this centre must boldly stake its place. It plays a careful game of insertion, balancing urban exterior space and interior needs. Programs are stacked, and the building bends to address the street and open vertical circulation to views in and beyond.
Brentwood Community Centre
Burnaby, British Columbia
Activity and Program
The layering of program is unified by a central atrium stair, which connects the lobby and outdoor plaza to various interior and exterior spaces within the building.
Openings in the facade reveal key program spaces, engaging the public realm and inviting the community to explore.
Gathering
The massing of the building reaches out towards Dawson Street at the south, creating a covered plaza and inviting the public into the building. The interior of the community centre offers a program condenser through a vertical journey; revealing the full range of programs and activities within.
Identity
The rooftop terrace is an accessible and active space that terminates the journey through the building. It provides views to the surrounding city and is a showcased use on the entry facade. The urban intensity of program from grade to roof defines the character and identity of this centre.
The combination of open terraces, interconnected public spaces, and dynamic stair create a building that celebrates the insertion of community recreation and culture in a dense urban environment.
Frame
Few buildings are more Canadian than the hard working, humble arena. For the City of Peterborough, we had an opportunity to raise the profile of this well-loved building type. Here, the twin pad rinks are enclosed in a colourful orange pavilion which is then framed by community programs, double height entries and a unifying roof plane. Our new approach brings beauty to the arena and civic life to an urban context.
Peterborough Arena and Library
Peterborough, Ontario (Miskin Law Community Complex)
Activity and Program
Program and planning were designed to create a civic hub that invites a diverse range of uses. It features two NHL-sized ice rinks with spectator seating, fitness studios, multipurpose rooms and a branch library.
The programmatic goal is for an inclusive complex that would serve a broad demographic of all ages. This civic facility is designed with a strong focus on accessibility, inclusive programs and gender neutrality.
Gathering
The curved orange wall under a civic scale roof is a simple and welcoming gesture. It invites visitors into a double height gathering space that looks out onto the park and into the program spaces. Throughout the public realm there is strategic use of clear building forms, flexible programmatic planning and enduring materiality.
Identity
Conceptual clarity in the use of durable materials, simple building forms and programmatic planning creates a strong place-making project. Even the careful choice of colour is a nostalgic nod to the site’s exhibition history and is used to denote programs. Orange and the use of boldly radiused corners signifies the active program areas of a skating and running track. This is framed by prismatic white volumes housing the library, administration area and multi-purpose rooms.
Fracture
Sometimes the clues and inspiration of a site are not immediately apparent. This dormant field seemed lifeless until we dug deeper into its historic origin as a forested setting. The building elements are imagined as natural blocks fractured by primordial ice forces to create vistas and passages into the park.
Whitby Sports Complex
Whitby, Ontario
Activity and Program
The program goal is to support training, competing, and recreating. The sports park offers playing fields, courts and gathering spaces. The interior components include a twin pad arena, competitive 10 lane pool, gymnasium, track and multipurpose rooms.
The rink and gym are designed to serve community needs. Aquatic programming balances community use with the ability to host regional tournaments.
Gathering
By slightly rotating the program blocks, wedges of space are created at each entry. Within this dynamic public realm, a range of viewing areas and places to gather are accommodated. An accessible ramp links levels and brings focus to the centrally located reception counter. This bold move exemplifies leadership in accessibility as a cutting edge community centre model.
Performance
A number of environmental sustainability initiatives will make this facility the first Zero Carbon building and LEED Gold facility in Canada to include a twin pad arena, gymnasium, and aquatics facility.
Regenerative site strategies include: 30% canopy coverage within 12 years, 40 EV charging spaces, dark sky compliant lighting, pollinator gardens, habitat restoration and Low Impact Design landscaping.
Discover more:
Perkins&Will Toronto/Ottawa: https://perkinswill.com/studio/toronto/
Contact: Phil Fenech, Practice Lead
Email: Phil.fenech@perkinswill.com ph. +1 (416) 702 7523
Perkins&Will Vancouver/Calgary: https://perkinswill.com/studio/vancouver/
Contact: Max Richter, Practice Lead
Email: Max.Richter@perkinswill.com ph. +1 (604) 484 1596
Perkins&Will Sports Recreation and Entertainment: https://perkinswill.com/projects/sports-recreation-and-entertainment/
Sustainability: https://perkinswill.com/sustainability/
Credits:
Graphics: Nine Square Illustration; Doublenaut Design
Photos: Georgina Multi Use Recreation Centre; Scott Norsworthy
One Yonge Community Recreation Centre; Lisa Logan
Architectural Designs: The very talented and inspired teams in the Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver Perkins&Will studios.
Copyright © Perkins&Will, 2024
Collaborators:
Carrville Community Centre, Library, and District Park
Structural – Read Jones
Christoffersen Ltd.
Mechanical – Smith + Andersen
Electrical – Mulvey & Banani
Civil – WSP
Landscape – The MBTW Group
Wallace Emerson Community Centre
Structural – Entuitive
Mechanical – TMP/BDP
Electrical – Mulvey & Banani
Civil – Counterpoint
Landscape – Public Work
Daycare Design – Cornerstone
Architecture
North East Scarborough
Community Recreation Centre
Structural – Read Jones
Christoffersen Ltd.
Mechanical – Smith + Andersen
Electrical – Smith + Andersen
Civil – Husson
Landscape – PMA
Daycare Design – Cornerstone
Architecture
Brentwood Community Centre
Structural – Fast + Epp
Mechanical – Introba
Electrical – Smith + Andersen
Civil – McElhanney
Landscape – PFS Studio
Georgina Multi Use
Recreation Complex
Structural – Read Jones
Christoffersen Ltd.
Mechanical – Smith + Andersen
Electrical – Mulvey & Banani
Civil – WSP
Landscape – FRP Inc.
South Common Community Centre and Library
Structural – Read Jones
Christoffersen Ltd.
Mechanical – TMP/BDP
Electrical – Mulvey & Banani
Civil – Husson
Landscape – FRP Inc.
One Yonge Street Community Recreation Centre
Structural – Jablonsky, Ast and Partners
Mechanical – MV Shore
Electrical – MV Shore
Peterborough Arena and Library
Structural – Entuitive
Mechanical – MCW Consultants
Electrical – MCW Consultants
Civil – DM Wills
Landscape – FRP Inc.
Whitby Sports Complex
Structural – Read Jones
Christoffersen Ltd.
Mechanical – Smith + Andersen
Electrical – Smith + Andersen
Civil – Husson
Landscape – The MBTW Group
