SIMON GORDON portfolio 2024
TORONTO ZOO ENTRANCE
Zeidler Architecture Inc.
Site: Toronto, ON.
Project Team: Toronto Zoo, Zeidler, Jones & Jones, NAK, Thornton Thomasetti, Quasar, MGM, Jensen Hughes, & BTY.
Date: 2021-2022.
For its 50th Birthday Celebration, the Toronto Zoo is doing a full modernized revamping of its front entrance. Gone is the old greenhouse gift-shop and wooden gates, and in their stead is a completely revitalized plaza and educational, community welcome centre in partnership with the University of Toronto. Upon arrival, guests are first greeted by a playful River Otter Habitat exhibit, which serves as their starting point on their wildlife experience journey at the Zoo. Entitled as the Community Conservation Centre, this state-of-the-art facility hosts multiple classroom spaces, laboratories, expanded retail, admin offices, and educational conservation programs such as the turtle breeding pods. The sloped landscape also leads up to a VIP rooftop terrace, offering a canopy-covered event venue space with unique views of the Zoo grounds. Finally, the design of the new gates consists of a vibrant new sign and a sleek canopy, which set off visitors on to a brand new, re-energized experience at the Toronto Zoo.
EXTERIOR 158
PRECAST TO SHADOW BOX 5
SCALE: 1 : 10 A6.01
A6.01 PRECAST TO SHADOW BOX 5
SCALE: 1 : 10 A6.01
PRECAST TO PRECAST -NARROW GAP 4
PRECAST TO PRECAST -NARROW GAP 4
SCALE: 1 : 10 A6.01
SCALE: 1 : 10 A6.01
CONVEX EXTERIOR WALL 3
3 SCALE: 1 :
CONVEX EXTERIOR WALL 3
SCALE: 1 : 10 A6.01
SCALE: 1 : 10 A6.01
PRECAST TO SHADOW BOX 5 BEAM ABOVE
LATTERAL STEEL CONNECTIORS
EXTERIOR BEAM ABOVE 125mm INTERIOR PANEL
NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
DRAWINGS, SPECIFICATIONS
FORBIDDEN
THE ARCHITECT'S WRITTEN PERMISSION." CONTRACTOR MUST CHECK AND VERIFY ALL DIMENSIONS ON THE JOB. ANY DISCREPANCY OR CONTRADICTORY INFORMATION WITHIN THIS SET OF DRAWINGS AND / OR OTHER CONSULTANTS' DRAWINGS MUST BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE ARCHITECT BEFORE PROCEEDING. THIS DRAWING SHALL NOT BE USED FOR CONSTRUCTION PURPOSES UNLESS COUNTERSIGNED BY:
Rooftop Terrace
BLOCK 2 REDEVELOPMENT
Zeidler Architecture Inc.
Site: Ottawa, ON.
Project Team: Public Services and Procurement Canada, Zeidler, David Chipperfield Architects, Two-Row Architect, EVOQ, RJC, S+A, BTY, Senez, Englobe and others.
Date: 2023-2024.
Winner of the International Design Competition of 2022 for the redevelopment of Block 2, the proposal put forward by Zeidler Architecture in association with Pritsker Prize winning firm, David Chipperfield Architects, was selected by Public Services and Procurement Canada as the optimal design for bringing about the Government of Canada’s Long Term Vision and Plan for a modernized Parliamentary Precinct.
Situated in the heart of the nation’s capital, this city block, which directly faces Parliament Hill, is imbued with symbolic meaning as it encloses the fourth side of Canada’s historic ceremonial lawn.
This upscale renewal project consists of the partial demolition and renovation of eleven historic buildings and the addition of two new flagship buildings – forming a cohesive rehabilitation of the block into an innovative complex that serves the needs of a modern Parliament. The functional program for the project splits the facility into an East and West Block, dedicated to the Senate of Canada and House of Commons respectively. Centrally located in between the two blocks is a designated Indigenous Peoples Space, which promotes and celebrates the importance of dialogue at this key civic meeting point.
The ambition for the project is to demonstrate leadership in sustainable design, value the preservation of heritage, and ensure a safe and accessible space for governance and assembly. The building’s exterior façade garners inspiration from the roofs of the neighbouring historic Parliamentary buildings with the use of reclaimed copper as a cladding element – a charming modern interpretation. From within, the choice of an exposed mass timber structure promotes both a contemporary look and warmer feel to the block’s interior offices.
The revitalized Block 2 provides the renewed Parliament with added office spaces, grand Committee Rooms, substantial material handling capacity and archival storage, cafeteria and hoteling lounges, as well as retail spaces along the block’s southern face, spilling onto the Sparks Street pedestrian mall. With a prominent place on the public stage, the revitalization of Block 2 promises to deliver on the functional needs of a modern Parliament and foster an enhanced mode of discourse at this symbolic intersection between Canadian Citizenry and Government.
Parliamentary Office by DCA
Block 2 East Indigenous Peoples Space
Ceremonial Lawn of Parliament Hill
For confidentiality reasons, further content cannot be shared at this time - pending approval.
Block 2 West
WESTHILL HIGHRISE
Zeidler Architecture Inc.
Site: Halifax, NS.
Project Team: Queenie Wong, Joseph Lo, & Simon Gordon.
Date: 2021.
This submission to the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) outlined the project scope and demonstrated its compliance to local bylaws. The building is a 230,000 sf high-rise residential new addition on top of an existing mixed-use development, offering two towers of 10 and 19 storeys respectively with a total of over 250 residential units and 190 parking stalls. Working with both Revit and SketchUp, contribution to this project included development of plans, sections, elevations, design of residential units, setback calculations, and exploration of exterior façade and balcony arrangement options.
1 BED SUITE -TYPE 01
1 BED SUITE -TYPE 01
BED SUITE -TYPE 01
MATERIAL LEGEND:
1a. White Metal Panel
MATERIAL LEGEND:
1b. Vision Glazing Type 1
1a. White Metal Panel
1c. Metal Spandrel Type 1
1d. Glass Balustrade Type 1
1b. Vision Glazing Type 1
2a. Grey Metal Panel
1c. Metal Spandrel Type 1
1d. Glass Balustrade Type 1
2b. Vision Glazing Type 2
2c. Metal Spandrel Type 2
2a. Grey Metal Panel
2b. Vision Glazing Type 2
2d. Glass Balustrade Type 2
3. Low Iron Storefront Glazing
2c. Metal Spandrel Type 2
4. Impact Resistance Metal Panel
2d. Glass Balustrade Type 2
3. Low Iron Storefront Glazing
5. Custom perforated Metal Panel
4. Impact Resistance Metal Panel
6a. Black Granite
6b. Grey Granite
5. Custom perforated Metal Panel
6a. Black Granite
7. Metal Louvres
6b. Grey Granite
MATERIAL LEGEND:
7. Metal Louvres
1a. White Metal Panel
1b. Vision Glazing Type 1
1c. Metal Spandrel Type 1
1d. Glass Balustrade Type 1
2a. Grey Metal Panel
2b. Vision Glazing Type 2
2c. Metal Spandrel Type 2
2d. Glass Balustrade Type 2
3. Low Iron Storefront Glazing
4. Impact Resistance Metal Panel
5. Custom perforated Metal Panel
6a. Black Granite
6b. Grey Granite
7. Metal Louvres
THE REPRODUCTIVE CARE CENTRE
Zeidler Architecture Inc.
Site: Mississauga, ON.
Project Team: Edward Chan, Bradley Collard & Simon Gordon.
Date: 2022.
Produced the Issued for Tender Package for this partial demolition and renovation project of a fertility clinic in Mississauga. The scope consisted of an upgraded medical clinic with specific equipment, ventilation, storage and security requirements. It included a new generator on an outdoor pad and an upgraded Air Handling Unit on the roof. Submittals for the rooftop AHU platform were diligently reviewed for compliance and approval. The louver system was carefully designed to mitigate undesirable street views.
STEEL BOLLARD TYP. OF 6. REFER TO DETAIL 6/A7.01
CONTRACTOR TO REINSTATE LANDSCAPE AND WALKWAY AROUND THE AREA OF WORK TO ORIGINAL CONDITION
STEEL BOLLARD TYP. OF 6. REFER TO DETAIL 6/A7.01
CONTRACTOR TO REINSTATE LANDSCAPE AND WALKWAY AROUND THE AREA OF WORK TO ORIGINAL CONDITION
DOORWAS REMOVED
1. PATCH, REPAIR AND FINISH GWB TO RECIEVE PT. FIN AT ALL LOCATIONS WHERE EXIST GWB HAS BEEN REMOVED FOR NEW MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL WORK.
2. PATCH AND REPAIR BASE OF WALL IN ALL LOCATIONS WHERE EXISTING COVE BASE WAS REMOVED. PROVIDE FINISH AS REQUIRED TO INSTALL NEW RESILIENT SHEET FLOORING BASE.
3. AT ALL WINDOW SILL LOCATIONS WHERE DRYWALL HAS DETERIORATED OR HAS BEEN DAMAGED, PATCH AND REPAIR WITH NEW GWB AS REQUIRED AND FINISH TO RECEIVE PAINT FINISH.
4. ALL ADO CONTROLS TO BE 50mmX100mm WITH A MOUNTING HEIGHT OF 900mm TO CENTRE OF CONTROL.
5. ALL NEW THERMOSTAT CONTROLS TO BE MOUNTED AT A HEIGHT OF 1200mm TO CENTRE OF CONTROL.
6. ALL LIGHT SWITCHES TO BE MOUNTED AT 1100mm TO CENTRE OF SWITCH.
KEYNOTE LEGEND
REMOVE EXISTING POCKET DOOR AND ALL ASSOCIATED HARDWARE 1
REMOVE EXISTING WALL BASE 3
AS REQUIRED.
2. REMOVE EXIST GWB IN ALL AREAS AS REQUIRED FOR NEW MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL WORK. REFER TO MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS FOR GENERAL LOCATION, TYPES AND QUANTITIES.
3. WHERE EXISTING FLOORING HAS BEEN REMOVED, CONTRACTOR TO SCRAPE, PATCH, REPAIR AND MAKE GOOD AS REQUIRED FOR NEW FINISHES. REFER TO FLOOR FINISHES PLAN.
4. PROVIDE OPENINGS IN EXISTING PARTITIONS ABOVE CEILING AS REQUIRED FOR NEW MECHANICAL DUCTWORK. REFER TO MECH. DRAWINGS FOR SIZES AND LOCAITONS.
EQUESTRIAN ARENA
Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects
Site: New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, New York.
Project Team: Chris O’Reilly & Simon Gordon.
Date: 2017.
Off the banks of Onondaga Lake, the NYS Fairgrounds welcomes thousands of visitors to enjoy a huge campus of endless venues, including performance spaces, amusement park rides, spectator racing venues and more - splashed against the backdrop of New York State’s green countryside. Sharing the reigns on the design of a new Equestrian Arena to be added to the grounds, I was highly driven and excited to meticulously assess the Request For
Proposal requirements, sketch design ideas, work with feedback, and cycle through a number of iterations to continually perfect the building design and configuration. The emergent design: a 60’ high Exposition Hall flanked by stackable bleachers seating 4,000 occupants, a VIP 2nd floor balcony for premium viewing, and an optimal design of access points for human, vehicular, & equestrian circulation & programmatic functions.
Ground Floor (Sketch) Marker on Trace Paper
2nd Floor (Sketch) Marker on Trace Paper
Ab(rupture), 3B Studio
Laser-cut millboard, 1:50
INTO THE SYN•ANTHROPOCENE
The Resynchronized Architecture of a Keystone Species
Masters Thesis
Site: Bickford Centre, Toronto, ON
Supervisor: Prof. Marco Polo
Second Reader: Prof. Terri Peters
We share this world with millions of other species. While humans have claimed and transformed vast territories of the planet, these artificial homogenized environments show little regard for the countless birds, mammals, and other creatures that move through these urban landscapes. The relationship between culture and nature is ever evolving, and where it goes next is a question at the forefront of architectural discourse. This thesis sets out to explore how architecture can respond to the socioecological tensions between wildlife and the built environment.
The research identifies a subset of biological subjects that inform a design process which aims to resynchronize architecture with ecological dynamics. The thesis culminates with a proposal of a hybrid eco-cultural hub which celebrates biodiversity and promotes an emerging paradigm shift; it is a step toward redefining humanity as a keystone species – one whose design interventions are aligned with biological subjects that share the ecosystem.
Hybrid Wetland SketchUp / Vray / Photoshop
Central Atrium in the Cohabitation Space
SketchUp / Photoshop
Nocturnal Activity in the Cohabitation Space
SketchUp / Photoshop
Facility Program Overview
SketchUp
Longitudinal Section through the Facility’s Central Axis
SketchUp / Photoshop
Lobby & Cafe
Entry Plaza
Sunken Sanctuary
Courtyard Lab
Workshop
Wildlife Crossing
Fourth Level Floorplan: the Cohabitation Space SketchUp / Photoshop
Classroom
Cascading Pool
Elevated Walkway
Central Spiral Stair
Wildlife pod
Overgrowth Below
Classroom
Syn-anthropic Obelisk AutoCAD / Photoshop
Barn Owl Loft Shrike Nests
Skunk Den
Raccoon Flue
BI-AXIS
Venice Studio, Ryerson University
Site: Venice, Italy
Project Team: Simon Gordon & Bianca Verwaayen
Date: 2018
A preserved living relic of the past, the city of Venice is a unique architectural quandary for the modern age. Flooded by tourists and high tide, this famed island city struggles to maintain its socioeconomic stability, resident population, and cultural identity against the pressures of the global modern world. With no land for further expansion, and foundations set into the marshland of the lagoon, the urban fabric of the city is bounded to the confines of its canals and historic low-rise buildings. The declining city is in chaos and disarray, and in need of an uplifting gesture that will begin to turn the tide.
The Bi-Axis design proposes an intervention that realigns the city’s orientation, alleviates and streamlines its circulation, and celebrates its cultural identity. Yielding to the heavy momentum of the daily incoming traffic from the Liberty Bridge, the BiAxis continues a linear trajectory through the city – introducing a modern spine that culminates at San Marco. This pedestrian pathway is infused with didactic and tectonic elements that mirror and honour the unique richness of Venice. Creating a splendorous and informative experience, this efficient central route begins to free the city, instill a sense of responsibility for the city’s well-being, and sow the seed a more hopeful future.
Longitudianl Section
AutoCAD / Photoshop
Gondola (District theme)
Venecian Glass (District theme)
Carnivale (District theme)
Cross the Grand Canal (Focal point)
Bi-Axis District Themes AutoCAD / Photoshop
Fine Art (District theme)
Architecture (District theme)
Entry via Historical Gateway of Piazza San Marco (Focal point)
PORTRAITS
Subway Sketches
Inspired by a New York artist, I found a fun way to connect with people and bring about a smile on a dreary commute while simultaneously honing my sketching skills. I find people to be very interesting and I am drawn to the human form. I gifted every sketch to the “model” and it was very moving that it would brighten their day.
ZEIDLER HOLIDAY CARD
Office Contest
Wanting to give the Zeidler Holiday Card a personal feel, I thought a nice idea would be to capture a moment of socializing around the office kitchen table – smiling, laughing, and drink in hand.
Zeidler Holiday Card Pencil, Ink & Photoshop, 2022.
FAMILY CREST
Paradisgarten Residence
Inspired by his grandfather, a close friend wished for me to design his family crest, to which he attributed great meaning. Him and his wife wanted it to contain a multitude of symbolic images, ranging from cultural, religious, and personal references. He has since affixed it onto multiple house-hold items including a poker table and custom gaming chips, scotch glasses, kitchen knives, ink pens and office letterhead.
WEDDING ART
Dina & David
A very personal project, I put together the art and graphics for my cousin’s wedding. In addition to the wedding invitations and some of the table pieces, the centrepiece of the ensemble was Table Seating “chart.” This 50-hour, winery themed, acrylic painting portrayed a bottle (and cask) for each table, wherein the guests are eloquently listed on the labels.
CreekRoad
Dina & David
9.26.2020
Venue Directions Adobe Illustrator, 2020.
Hand-sanitizer Label Adobe Illustrator, 2020.
Guest Seating: Wedding of Dina Gordon & David Harris
Acrylic on Canvas, 24 in. x 30 in., 2020.
Ceremony
Reception Hall
