Teron Submissions 2013 Book 4 by TeronScholar2013

CANDIDATES BOOK 4 OF 4 4th Year

Book 4 of 4 Semester One Lucas Boyd & Shane Dalke................ 4 Daniel Farid.................................... 18 Ming Fu......................................... 30 Benoit Maranda.............................. 42 Mateusz Nowacki............................ 54 Alex Okuka..................................... 66 Nilakshi Roy................................... 78 Timothy Burwell............................. 84 Tahmina Orfan............................... 96 Semester Two Lucas Boyd................................... 110 Shane Dalke.................................. 128 John Gaitan.................................. 156 Benoit Miranda............................. 170 Aisha Sawatsky.............................. 182

CAND IDATE

P R OJ ECT T IT LE

ABSTRACT

417 Rideau

Canada is currently experiencing the rapid urbanization similar to that which is taking place all over the world. Ottawa is facing an opportunity to rethink the way in which the city can accommodate the housing demand associated with this type of growth. Typically it has simply opted for the obvious benefits of stacking units upwards in the form of towers. This project explores an

Lucas Boyd & Shane Dalke alternative path to intensification that focuses on community, accessibility and public space rather than tower views and prestige. A narrative was developed that accommodates a variety of housing typologies, engages the development with both landscapes on which it borders, and emphasizes not complex building strategies, but the edges of buildings and the shared spaces that exist between them.

GROUP PROJECT: Lucas Boyd and Shane Dalke have collaborated on a number of projects. The socio-economic strategies as well as the master plan for 417 Rideau were developed as a team through rigorous design processes. Shane and Lucas maintain individual skill sets that often lead to products far better than that developed individually. They currently are working on a number of related and unrelated projects and have plans of entering professional practice together in the future.

4th Year 100805515 / 100776380 ARCS 4105

S U BM I T T E D T E X T

417 RIDEAU

LUCAS BOYD/SHANE DALKE 417 Rideau takes a critical approach to urban development—rooted in the economic realities of building and the commodification of property—but inspired by the context, public space and the power of community. Canada is currently experiencing the rapid urbanization similar to that which is taking place all over the world. Ottawa is facing an opportunity to rethink the way in which the city can accommodate the housing demand associated with this type of growth. Typically it has simply opted for the obvious benefits of stacking units upwards in the form of towers. This project explores an alternative path to intensification that focuses on community, accessibility and public space rather than tower views and prestige. A narrative was developed that accommodates a variety of housing typologies, engages the development with both landscapes on which it borders, and emphasizes not complex building strategies, but the edges of buildings and the shared spaces that exist between them. Imagineering The idea of the home has drastically evolved since ancient times; it now represents an autonomous environment of retreat that must simultaneously maintain a public persona. This ‘new’ home is both a product and a determinant of its surroundings. 417 Rideau represents an answer to this slightly contradicting nature of urban housing by addressing the current human relationship to both the private and public realms. The spirit of this development is not an abstract design hypothesis or an attempt at exaggerating an obscure or esoteric human condition. 417 Rideau simply accommodates and highlights what is most magical about that which already exists—the beauty of the collective and the city’s ability to allow people to live in community. It could be said that this development, in all the following categories, represents a return to the basics. From its construction to the imagined human experience, 417 Rideau challenges skewed notions of progress with what is perhaps the most underestimated intuitive tool in the designers belt—common sense Physical The site is located east of the downtown core and has close proximity to all the major urban amenities. With two distinct border conditions, the site must maintain two characters. One is a landscape of fabric while the other is a landscape of figures and by using its unique formal approach, 417 Rideau truly engages with both of the conditions. Instead of stacking the units to meet intensification goals, the units are laterally compressed onto the site, creating a meandering horizontal tower. This form is manipulated in such a way that absorbs both landscapes and is carefully articulated to create both public spaces and different housing typologies. This formal narrative that was developed was a critical process in the developing the holistic nature of the proposal’s design. This sequence acts as a physical datum to which all aspects of the project must answer to—the result is an architecture of integration, a platform on which all considerations (social, economic, environmental and social) meet and engage in a shared dialogue.

Economic One cannot begin to make any social impact without simultaneously considering economic realities. 417 Rideau’s form is directly derived from specific construction methods that speak to this and, in turn, take a unique stance on how profit is generally obtained in today’s housing market. Traditionally, in order to sell urban housing, developers must market an ‘upper class’ lifestyle that often comes with hefty construction costs that are passed down to the consumer. This inevitably creates full housing typologies (towers) that are out of fiscal reach for the majority of urban dwellers. If we are trying to accommodate families and individuals that are moving into the city from a rural or suburban areas, we must understand the general financial situation of this demographic. Property is typically more valuable in the city, so when these people migrate to city centres, they usually are expected to sacrifice some quality of life in order to trade a non-urban dwelling for an urban one. To remedy this, 417 Rideau seeks to cut the price tag of urban housing by that most obvious of ways— minimizing construction cost. This inspired a movement away from towers to a development where three of the six buildings are light wood frame construction. Along with many other cost-minimizing construction techniques, this leads to a community of homes that can be sold and rented at the bottom end of market rates while maintaining the comforts and quality that the target demographics are accustomed to. Environmental The environmental responsibility of 417 Rideau is partially a product of the chosen site but also a result of the physical design. By developing a socio-economically diverse community in a mixed income area, we are encouraging the environmentally friendly practices that come with urban life. Minimal dependence on the automobile, local food distributors, carbon-storing wood construction and carefully chosen finishes are all small design strategies that make up the larger environmentally friendly story of the community. 417 Rideau is not a project based on ‘big moves’ or extravagant gestures, it is rooted in a common sense which leads to building with the least amount of embodied energy as possible. Virtually every aspect of the development rejects excess and implements only what is absolutely necessary. Embracing conventional building techniques is part of this—bespoke construction details not only add cost, but drastically increase the amount materials, energy and labour involved. We remain optimistic about the future of responsible design—we believe that it is slowly moving away from being a considered a mere aspect of building to an engrained design strategy that is not simply applied as an afterthought but that is an intuitive motive driving the basic ideas.

Social 417 Rideau is based on the belief that there are tangible reasons for why people are moving back into the Ottawa. The middle class has traditionally sought refuge from the ‘urban chaos’, so what has changed? We believe that the answer extends beyond the simple convenience that comes with city life and speaks more to the fundamental communal nature of human beings. The diverse environment that is the city creates all sorts of unplanned interactions, and while they may be initially seen as uncomfortable and undesirable, it is these that are actually responsible for the unique enriching experience that urban life can bring. This movement has to be considered when planning city-centre housing for people that are accustomed to the comforts of suburbia and the ‘luxury’ of privacy. We are not, however, social engineers and we do not intend to force diversity on every scale. This is why each building that makes up the harmonious single form of 417 Ridaeu is specifically designed for a certain demographic. By doing so, the residents are able to maintain whatever standards for their private dwellings and immediate surroundings but are engaged with a socio-economically diverse community.

417 RIDEAU

TERON SCHOLARSHIP SUBMISSION LUCAS BOYD / SHANE DALKE

SITE WITH TWO DISTINCT EDGES

RIDEAU STREET

SLOPED TOPOGRAPHY

BEAUSOLEIL DRIVE

THE IDEA

SITE CAPACITY

TYPICAL ARANGEMENT

HORIZONTAL TOWER

SITE ARRANGEMENT 7

PARTI DIAGRAMS

BRINGING IN SURROUNDINGS Horizontal tower carefully arranged on site.

CUT FROM HIGH TO LOW A main circulation route and volume broken for different typologies.

PUBLIC SQUARE A second shear to create central communal square.

PATHWAY CONNECTION Middle section sheared to connect Rideau and Beausoleil.

COMMERCIAL BAR Ottawaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TM6 zoning require ground floor commercial activity.

BRING IN RIDEAU The bar is broken and swung into the development.

THE BUILDINGS

SITE PLAN

4 3

THE SPACES BETWEEN

THE T-BLOCK 50 market flats For yuppies and empty-nesters

THE A-BLOCK Affordable units (some subsidized) 10 three storey family family homes 9 ground level flats 8 two storey

THE C-BLOCK 72 market units Maisonnettes and flats For yuppies and small families

THE R-BLOCK 13 family homes 2-4 bedroom On quiet residential street

1:200 CARD MODEL

THE A-BLOCK

BIRDSEYE VIEW

bathroom

living

closet

kitchen

closet

closet closet

closet

dining

bedroom

master bedroom

bedroom

FIRST LEVEL kitchen, dining, and living

SECOND LEVEL two bedrooms and bathroom

THIRD LEVEL master bedroom and spare bedroom

THE C-BLOCK

INTERLOCKING MAISONNETTE

BIRDSEYE VIEW FROM RIDEAU

FIRST LEVEL living room, dining room, and terrace

SECOND LEVEL bedroom with ensuite CROSS SECTION

ON RIDEAU STREET

FROM RIDEAU STREET

IN T-BLOCK

COMMERCIAL BAR & C-BLOCK

IN C-BLOCK

THE A-BLOCK

THE PUBLIC SQUARE

FROM BEAUSOLEIL

CAND IDATE

Daniel Farid 4th Year 100715863 ARCS 4106

P R OJ ECT T IT LE

ABSTRACT

980 Somerset Street W Rejuvenation of the Hintonburg Trapezoid

This housing project proposal for the Hintonburg area reflects on the scales of the contextual architecture by providing a different urban fabric, yet retaining sensitivity to the context in the spatial organization of the project. The building also communicates with the existing village scale, yet enhances the marginal style of the neighborhood while visibly connecting and adding public space. Unlike the myriad of condominiums that populate the downtown landscape, 980 Somerset St W was conceived as a solid mass that was carved-into to create openings and terraces at various levels. The deconstructed volume creates

interlocking and contrasting spaces stepping out and back from the street. This visually dynamic solution was instrumental in achieving several key objectives: creating the kitchen garden, drawing light into the building interior and providing outdoor green space. The garden terraces created in this process also help cool and cleanse the air; thus, limiting heat island effect in the urban core. In keeping with the traditional lifestyle of the local people, a modern notion of individual apartments to operate on the concept of community sharing, living and growth. Rather than optimizing on the western concept of privacy and individualism, the spatial organization

of the architecture to maximize the social capacity of its residents. A 4 story, 76- unit development provides common spaces [courtyard, gallery terraces and common corridors] embrace community and facilitate social activity in this undervalued trapezoidal lot of Hintonburg. Commercial and community activities are positioned at the lower levels along these main arteries to further enhance life on these streets. The project reduces the land-filling and excavation to a minimum, maintaining 55% of the lot to public green space-serving the locals of Hintonburg.

CAND IDATE

Ming Fu 4th Year 100795969 ARCS 4106

P R OJ ECT T IT LE

Dugout: The Art Centre for the Discriminated

S U BM I T T E D T E X T

Dugout: The Art Centre for the Discriminated Dugout is an Institute for the Arts dedicated to those who are being discriminated in society; this includes victims of racism and discrimination due to sexual orientation. The location of the site is on the corner of Cartier St. and Cooper St. beside the St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church in Ottawa, Canada. The concept of the building design is sparked by the discriminatory nature of religious entities. The sub-merged mass of the building form gives the impression of digging and tunneling away from the malignant entity and re-emerges somewhere else with the sense of release. The building is divided into three distinctive sections, each serving unique purpose. The Dig is the celebrated center, which is the underground space that visitors commence to experience the grotto. It features irregular circular ramping platforms that can serve as a pathway into the pit, as well as viewing platforms for large mural art on the walls and for the performance space. The ramps offer an ever changing perspective on the way people interface the artworks and the space surrounding them. The bottom level of the Dig is a multipurpose space for gathering, lectures and other installation art displays. The Dig also features an omen that replicates the form of the façade of the church with deteriorating wrought iron work to forecast its ill fate.

what we do not realize is the harm that it can bring to us due to its bigoted and dogmatic views. The design of this art institute attempts to reveal to people the poisonous side of monotheistic religions and to shed light on the sensitive topic of discrimination in society. While heavily tackling the subject of religious poison and discrimination, Dugout also explores the concept of large complicated subterranean architecture. With the rapid expansion of cities that cannot grow broad and wide, growing tall may be an option. But the underground is a zone of the cities that is untapped or rarely wisely used. The Dugout attempts to experiment with structural possibilities and create ways to maximize natural light to legitimize the potential of underground development. Because the realm of the underground seldom explored, therefore the knowledge and skills in that ﬁeld is lacking. When building underground at a large scale truly begins, the new innovations and technologies are for sure going to be there to accommodate the new way of development. With new innovations and technologies, economy would be driven up in accordance.

The Emerge is a sculpture garden that is build out of steel and glass boxes. This design purposely attempts to disorient the visitors to recreate the feeling of missplacement. It raises the questionable attitude of society, they see in wonder-some wandering what they want and where they need to go, without reaching the goal with a direct unhindered path. The Tunnel is the underground passage linking the Dig and the Emerge with studio and classroom spaces ﬂanking on both sides. The studios are kept open as a gesture of transferring of ideas and inspirations. This also gives visitors a glimpse of the process of creating the artworks they witness. The Tunnel has multiple light wells that articulate the natural light that penetrates the space. It enhances a suppressive feeling of an underground tunnel that one unwillingly confronts the hardship. At the end of the journey, visitors will take a secondary path back to the entry space. The entrance and exit essentially emerge, but a translucent wall visually divides the two to keep the experience mysteriously intense. The building digs into the earth and emerges at a distant location. This design intent is to symbolize metaphorically and in a way physically the actions taken by those who are discriminated in society in the past and today. The structure of the institute is composed of two major materials; concrete and steel. The concrete is used as massive shell to retain the surrounding earth to create free space for the massive underground complex. Within the massive volume of space the concrete has created, steel is used for the ﬁner details in the programming in the institute. The ramps in the Dig, the studio spaces in the Tunnel and the sculpture garden in the Emerge are all fabricated out of steel. In these cases, steel is used as the prime material to deliver, educate and enlighten students and visitors through the forms into which it can be made and the power that the aesthetics of steel has. The church near the site of the Dugout is the prime spark of the design concept. Religious entities have been regarded as the beacon of hope for humanity. However,

CAND IDATE

Benoit Maranda 4th Year 100791033 ARCS 4105

P R OJ ECT T IT LE

ABSTRACT

Urban Housing for Lowertown Ottawa

The project proposes the cohabitation of various typologies of living spaces and residential forms, and develops an urban language that seeks to populate a modernist superblock. The site further mitigates two urban conditions; Rideau Street, an Ottawa Traditional Main Street and busy arterial road which is in need of gentrification and the quiet residential neighborhood of mixed housing which lies to the north and is bound by Beausoleil Drive. The rethinking of the superblock led to the reintroduction of traditional city block languages

and programmes, such as continuous commercial frontage along the TMS designated Rideau St., the placing of masses along residential side streets and the mid-block laneway. The site is divided into, smaller, palpable units, all of which, develop their own form out of the housing they contain, and are centered around a cut-through pedestrian walkway, which transects the site and links Rideau St. and Beausoleil Dr. The project further investigates the demands created by urban growth by proposing a small community

center, daycare, live-work units, and townhouses. The project seeks to retain the function of the superblock by providing amenities and services to its inhabitants, forming a “community within the city”, while introducing intensification, modern forms, pedestrian access, and sustainable alternatives to Ottawa’s current housing stock.

S U BM I T T E D T E X T

CONTEXT

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

ABSTRACT The project proposes the cohabitation of various typologies of living spaces and residential forms, and develops an urban language that seeks to populate a modernist superblock. The site further mitigates two urban conditions; Rideau Street, an Ottawa Traditional Main Street and busy arterial road which is in need of gentrification and the quiet residential neighborhood of mixed housing which lies to the north and is bound by Beausoleil Drive. The rethinking of the superblock led to the reintroduction of traditional city block languages and programmes, such as continuous commercial frontage along the TMS designated Rideau St., the placing of masses along residential side streets and the mid-block laneway. The site is divided into, smaller, palpable units, all of which, develop their own form out of the housing they contain, and are centered around a cut-through pedestrian walkway, which transects the site and links Rideau St. and Beausoleil Dr. The project further investigates the demands created by urban growth by proposing a small community center, daycare, live-work units, and townhouses. The project seeks to retain the function of the superblock by providing amenities and services to its inhabitants, forming a “community within the city”, while introducing intensification, modern forms, pedestrian access, and sustainable alternatives to Ottawa’s current housing stock.

The proposal lies in a somewhat non-descript and derelict area of Ottawa, informally known as “upper Rideau”, an extension of Lowertown and the ByWard market. The site is a modernist “superblock”, roughly the size of two regular city blocks, converted into a larger one in the goal of providing large plots of housing. Rideau street, with its “traditional main street” status has long been dreamed of developing into an extensive shopping avenue with thriving retail vistas, seems to have inversely fallen into a glut of small, unsuccessful shopping outlets and pedestrian-unfriendly impregnable towers and austere buildings. The neighborhood to the north is largely residential, with a hodgepodge of housing, early and mid 20th century houses, townhouses, condos, apartments in the form of brutalist towers and low-rise bar buildings and tenements. However the area is deprived of any cohesive gestures and remains, like most of Ottawa, car-centric and disadvantageous to alternative methods of transportation.

DESIGN Pedestrian infiltration and coherence between various living typologies and forms lead the primary aspects of the design. The planning begins with a “frame” mass, fronting Chapel, Rideau and Augusta streets, thus enclosing the site on three sides, axis parallel to Rideau Street cut through this mass creating smaller units along Chapel street, and a larger unit, fronting Rideau street, where the call for density is highest. A free form is introduced in the center of the site, born at a low level on Beausoleil Drive, and elevating itself to a high peak at the center of the site, where interior space is largest, then curving eastwards and diminishing again. A slender tower is placed atop the free form, slightly offset from its apex. Finally, the site is sliced in its center, splitting both the frame and the free form, creating a wide pedestrian-only causeway, linking Rideau and Beausoleil. In doing so, the free form is split into two bodies, the first

retaining it’s apex and the second becoming the podium for the tower. A large yet intimate public “plaza” is introduced at the front of the tower, adjacent Augusta, and a more private playground and outdoor public space is formed at the remote end of the site.

RELATION WITH SITE Pragmatic responses to the existing site condition of the neighborhood were considered in the mapping of the site and the design of housing blocks. The largest site coverage ratio, as well as height and floor space indexes are located on the Rideau side of the site, where urban density is desired, whereas the Beausoleil side features more ample open space, lower floor space indexes and lower height. The central subsidized housing unit, with its angled roof, tapers down towards Beausoleil, giving it a low facade facing the adjacent park, while having a large presence and mass at the center of the site. Commercial units, as well as the tower plaza and community center face Rideau St. and commands a greater sense of officialdom, whilst the open spaces at the back of the site are less programmed, more intimate, and children-friendly. The tower is unnaturally slender in order to capitalize on height, and incidentally, views of the Ottawa River and beyond, to the Gatineau Hills, whilst itself blocking views as little as possible. By placing it at the center of the site, the tall continuous facades of glass are offset from Rideau St., tucked away in a gesture that echoes remnants of modernist residential ideals.

THE TOWER Following the development of a strategy for the site, on piece of the proposal was thoroughly investigated as a piece of architecture and as an exercise in housing design: the tower. Complete with interior planning, unit types and layouts, as well as mechanical and structural exercises, the tower is a fully comprehensive project, fitting within the overall design intentions for the site. The tower’s podium is an irregular and tapering mass of six levels, and is intended to be an folded extension of the central rental housing block (block 4 on site plan) which

both use the same seamless suspended blacktinted cladding on its sides and roof, and an louvered façade with window extrusions, and the glass box that encases the community center. The tower mirrors the language of both blocks with its soaring walls of tinted glazing, using a traditional curtain wall system around a roughly square footprint served by a point-core. Two levels at the confluence of tower and podium serve as an indoor-outdoor space for the residents. Units range from small units for young professionals at the bottom, units with expansive terraces, as well as larger luxury units in the tower. Underground parking can be accessed on the Augusta side, the entrance of which is concealed by the community center. The main level of the tower contains a two-level lobby as well as a daycare that faces the back yard playground.

IMAGINEERING Explorations into the quality of exterior spaces and conditions created were mixed with a search for compositional and architectural elegance, and providing the site with a sense of place, the neighborhood with a social anchor and the city with a model for sustainable mixtures in housing types in a society that is increasingly complex and struggles to grapple with the demand for new housing in urban cores.

PHYSICAL Great attention was paid to efficiency of design. All subsidized, rental and purchase units for families have orientation on at least two, ideally three sides for cross-ventilation and enhance livability, whereas cores were minimized and optimized, such as in the point tower, to yield the highest number of units in a certain square footage. As seen in the site population studies (image 4), attention was paid to balancing built area with green area, minimizing the use of the car on site, maximizing pedestrian access and, of proposing a range of unit types and target demographics in creative ways.

S U BM I T T E D T E X T

SOCIAL The project is intended to function as a nexus of interactions, impromptu or orchestrated. The main pedestrian corridor and its perpendicular limbs, the plaza, the playground and all other sidewalks and perforations to the traditional â&#x20AC;&#x153;street wallsâ&#x20AC;? create a Network of intersections, both intended for safety, ease of movement, and fluidity. The social construct of the neighborhood is woven tighter with the introduction of a daycare, play spaces, lawns (both private and public) and the community center, with both reinforce interaction of inhabitants of the site, but also encourage its use by other dwellers of the neighborhood.

INDIVIDUAL PROJECT ARISING FROM A LARGER GROUP PROJECT: Site planning was undertaken with fellow student Tyler Fissel. The design of the tower, and its attached landscaping, plaza and courtyard, as well as parking facilities and community centre were completed by the nominee following the group site work.

ENVIRONMENTAL The site would feature active rainwater collection as well as grey-water limited treatment and direct reuse. The tint on the glass used for much of the two central blocks and tower would us a UV-filter and enhanced-performance windows for maximum heat retention in the winters and reflection in the summer.

ECONOMIC Feasibility studies were conducted as part of the Design Economics course undertaken during the same semester as the housing studio, determining the financial credibility of the site. The introduction of large townhouses as well as luxury condominiums in the tower help absorb the lower immediate return on rental and subsidized units, while these will continue to sustain the whole complex in the long run.

the tower

CAND IDATE

Mateusz Nowacki 4th Year 100792164 ARCS 4106

P R OJ ECT T IT LE

ABSTRACT

You Cube

S U BM I T T E D T E X T

YouCube

Suburban Ideologies in an Urban Context 2nd place Winner of the Stantec Architecture Prize for Excellence in the Comprehensive Studio Project Mateusz Nowacki 100792164 Prof. John Cook ARCS 4105

A. Imagineering The YouCube project endeavors to create architecture that exemplifies a balanced relationship between public and private spaces while being placed in the context of a wellestablished community in an urban context. The focus of the design was rooted in the idea of creating a hierarchy of publicly used spaces by separating them with residences, allowing the two programs of outdoor spaces and living quarters to create a mid-scale development that would not detract from the character and architectural vitality of the neighborhood. The initial premise of the design places lower-scale, 4-story massing along the traditional main street and higher, 8-story massing towards the north side of the site, separating them by an inner pedestrian street that connects the intricate system of streets on one side of the site with the Rideau River and park on the other. With massing that increases in scale towards the north, the inner street remains bathed in light and allows the north blocks to have full southern exposure. In addition, the section of the southern block that abuts the traditional main street reads as a four story building from the public street, yet reduces in scale and height towards the inner, semi-public pedestrian street, creating elevated streetscapes that respond to the different public hierarchies of the project. The massing also helps to frame an inner courtyard towards the north side of the site by using the existing buildings as a segregating element from street to inner-park. This achieves three types of spaces from public street, inner semi-public pedestrian street, and private courtyard.

B. Physical Form and Materiality The focus of the design of the project was placed in the development of the southern block that abuts the traditional main street. The project endeavors to respond to the vernacular architecture along the street that consists of low-scale, single dwellings with local shops at grade and a single residence above. As such, the southern block proposes a larger massing that creates a symbiotic relationship between single dwelling and large-scale development. The block consists of system of 6 units that hinge around a single staircase core. These 6 units, including two-story family houses, studio apartments, and one and two bedroom units, each include access to a private green terrace on which it is possible to have a sodded lawn, to cultivate one’s own vegetables, or to create a safe playing space for children. The project proposes the design of these units as simple rectilinear forms that are juxtaposed or offset in such a way as to create these green terraces between, above, or beside the units, ultimately achieving a harmonic relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. In addition, all the units also have access to an elevated pedestrian street that runs between and above them which allows each occupant to have access to grade while simultaneously living in a dense housing block. As this system is repeated, each 6unit system is offset to correspond to the angle of the street, developing clear views towards the river and avoiding a homogeneous façade towards the street. This nonhomogeneous façade and repetition of units responds to the single-dwelling housing typologies along the street.

C. Social Impact The YouCube project is situated in between the neighborhoods of Vanier and New Edinburgh, within close proximity to the downtown core. The project acknowledges its context as one that bridges two areas of different social classes and income quintiles. In addition to increasing density in the area and presenting a solution to the housing question in Ottawa, the design also endeavors to offer subsidized and affordable housing as well as market housing solutions within one development. By integrating different unit typologies around a system of public and semi-public shared spaces, a new place of community and dwelling between different social classes can be established. While keeping private terraces present in the design, the integrated pedestrian streets encourage communal engagement and an active and connected community. In addition, the northern, mid-rise blocks include more affordable housing units, acknowledging the financial constraints of many potential residents in the area. The project also proposes socially responsive programs at grade level of each of the blocks that encourage communal engagement amongst the residents of varying income quintiles. Programs such as a grocery store, daycare, art therapy center, dental clinic, fitness center, as well as other commercial programs such as cafes, restaurants and various retail, tailor towards the active use of the residents while also increasing the communal vitality of the existing neighborhood.

D. Environmental Concerns Environmentally driven design strategies are integrated into the details of the YouCube project. For instance, the private green terraces that belong to each of the units in the southern block are each developed in section as ones that manage water retention systems. Each terrace includes a drainage system that links towards planters and trees on public sidewalks at grade, allowing rainwater to be collected and used for watering purposes for public foliage. In this effort, the project attempts to examine various ecologically responsible details that can allow the building to achieve a LEED status. For example, in addition to water retention systems in green terraces, each cross-ventilated unit in the northern block has a southern facing balcony that is screened with a louvered glass façade making each balcony a winter garden where residents can also cultivate their own vegetables. This southern screening can reduce heating costs during the winter months and the louvers can regulate the amount of sunlight and heat in the units during the summer months, creating more affordable maintenance costs for low-income residents by using natural ecological weather patterns.

E. Economic Impact The concept of the project is rooted in the goal to develop powerful and effective changes in the urban fabric that ultimately challenge the housing question in Ottawa. The housing design evaluates ideas for adapting existing patterns of communities with new ones to allow for an increase in density, while also accommodating a diverse scope of families, lifestyles, and income quintiles. By introducing the integration of units tailored towards homebuyers of different financial standings, there is an effort to create an economically sustainable housing development that can answer the question of how to densify while also being sensitive to the economic conditions of buyers or renters. Commercial spaces along the pier also allow local economic growth to flourish and respond to the different income quintiles in the area.

CAND IDATE

Alex Okuka 4th Year 100792480 ARCS 4106

P R OJ ECT T IT LE

ABSTRACT

Elgin Art School & Light Rail Station (The Everchanging Exhibition)

The proposed building would fulfill the needs for an art school as well as a transit station for the proposed artery addition to the current plan for the Ottawa light rail. The immersion of these two programs allows for a direct opportunity for expression, from the artist to the public. The studios will overlook the atrium space which doubles as an exhibition ramp. This space is meant to constantly be in flux, an ever-changing exhibition. The

relationship between the inhabitants of the building (the artists/students) and the visitors (the travelers) is meant to be an interdependent one, where those passing through are inspired by the art they are exposed to, and those creating the art are inspired by the movement of those passing by. In this way, the building becomes a bridge both physically; in connecting different areas of the city, as well as a bridge for expression.

S U BM I T T E D T E X T Elgin Light Rail Station & Art School (The Ever-changing Exhibition)

through this material. The design for the light rail itself is comprised of hollow steel tubes in the form of a double helix. Within the helix lies a double track platform for two trains to pass at once. The entire tubular structure rests on a series of arched columns that bring the load down

There is something about places of thoroughfare that seems to eventually lead to public

to the ground on either side. This column structure also incorporates an arch above to support

expression. Whether it is through street performance, buskers or street art; people are

the shell of the building. Where the columns meet the ground, there is a moment connection

compelled to capitalize on the opportunity to be heard where hundreds will be passing

that separates the steel that descends into the concrete footings.

through. This street art adds another dimension to the city, creating a place that is constantly in flux with a sort if pop-up exhibition in places like subways, underpasses and sidewalks. The city, however, will often see this expression as vandalism which will consequently be washed away, covered up or told to leave; ie. censored. The immersion of the programs of an art school and a light rail station will allow for this expression to occur without censorship. Analysis of the current expansion plan for the Ottawa light rail revealed that it would

The large spans of the steel enclosure allow for the shell to act almost as a superstructure, housing the activities within. The shell morphs from a larger squared-top elevation (on Elgin st.) into a smaller circular elevation (facing Cartier st.) from the gradual variance in shape of the arched steel columns. The space running directly below the elevated train acts as an exhibition ramp, it is overlooked by the stacks of pavilion-like studios on the North side. The exhibition ramp is a space of thoroughfare meant to be constantly in flux;

really only service travellers moving East-West through Rideau. The existing O-train serviced

installations, sculptures and works in progress occupy the space and then are replaced. The

North-South routes, however these connecting paths created a hole within the core of the city

public passing through is exposed to these ever-changing works and in turn, the artists

which would be neglected. The dense and busy areas of Centretown, the Glebe and the Golden

inhabiting the building are exposed to the public as inspiration.

Triangle would be left un-serviced, therefore the proposed building would be a station installed within a new artery of the transit system. The artery would connect the University of Ottawa station (E-W line) with the Carling station (N-S line), stopping in the midst of the golden triangle with the proposed station at Elgin st. and Gladstone ave. It would continue along the Queensway to Carling (with two to three potential stations in between). The Elgin st. station will provide service for not only the Art School but also the Museum of Nature, the many Elgin st. businesses as well as the government buildings a few blocks North. This transit expansion would boost the economy in various ways: by creating new jobs in its construction as well as its maintenance, in facilitating the populationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to get around in the winter months (ie. spend more at local businesses) as well as stimulate tourism. Furthermore, the addition of an elevated rail adds another dimension to the city, allowing travellers to see the city from another perspective without disturbing existing infrastructure below. The building itself is mostly comprised of structural steel and is expressive through the use of said steel. It explores the unique and innovative features that can only be achieved

The studios inhabit the North side of the building, stacked in varied sizes alongside the scaffolding-like stacked corridors which overlook the ramp below. Aside from the photography studio, most studios and classrooms are glazed to create a sense of transparency between the studios and the atrium space flooded with passersby. The inhabitants of the building (the students/artists) move mostly direct through the Northern section of the building, while visitors of the building (travellers) will arrive from both the street as well as from the top platform level. Upon their descent/ascent they will pass through the exhibition ramp or overlook the studios. The relation between the public atrium space and the more private studio space is meant to create an interdependent relationship between the visitors and inhabitants. The South-Eastern portion of the block is conserved as green space, as the lot was formerly a park space. The park is comprised of a series of descending levels, leading ultimately to the sunken garden adjacent to the building (accessed via the lowest level library from the inside). The levels remain un-programmed, large enough for various activities that could be

further defined based on need/want by local population. Ultimately the building will house a series of activities that will be in a constant state of change and rather than defining the building in certain space and time it is meant to evolve and grow with society overtime.

CAND IDATE

Nilakshi Roy 4th Year 100805515 ARCS 4106

P R OJ ECT T IT LE

ABSTRACT

Cathedral Hill Courtyard Living

S U BM I T T E D T E X T

CAND IDATE

Timothy Burwell 4th Year 100800543 ARCS 4105

P R OJ ECT T IT LE

ABSTRACT

Elgin Multicultural Centre Ottawa

from. Though each factor plays a crucial individual role within the overall design, they are fundamentally inseparable from each other. Each factor plays a critical role in relationship with each other, successfully showcasing a model for ingenuity in design and forward thinking into a commentary on what the future could hold for sustainable architectural design.

S U BM I T T E D T E X T 2013 Teron Scholarship Submission 100800543 ARCS 4105 Studio 6 Elgin Multicultural Centre Ottawa _____________________________________________________________________________________

The Elgin Multicultural Centre aims to set itself apart as a new benchmark in sustainable renewable design, implementing within itself a conscientious appreciation of 5 fundamental criterions; Imagineering (Imaginative Engineering), Environmental Concern, Physical form and materiality, Social Impact, and Economic Impact. It is from this criterion that the EMC was fundamentally based and created from. Though each factor plays a crucial individual role within the overall design, they are fundamentally inseparable from each other. Each factor plays a critical role in relationship with each other, successfully showcasing a model for ingenuity in design and forward thinking into a commentary on what the future could hold for sustainable architectural design.

a) Imagineering (Imaginative Engineering)/ Environmental Concerns The EMC is an example of imaginative engineering through its unique adaption of new sustainable technology as an integral part of the buildings holistic design and image. The EMC takes an aggressive approach to engineering principles by completely incorporating a passive ventilation system into the steel framework of the building. Together they are cohesively one unit. The system runs in a swooping fashion across the entire southern face of the building, funneling channelled air from the natural ‘wind tunnel’ of Gladstone. Its conclusion from a four lane arterial road lays on axis with Elgin Street and the southern elongated face of the EMC site. This unique site characteristic is utilized within the design of the roof and its consecutive air ducts which take the primary easterly winds across the rooftop and filter them through the grand atrium space to provide cooling within the summer months. In a continuation of sustainable renewable energy practices, the flat rooftop of the main core is also used to provide energy for the EMC. Custom fitted photovoltaic panels are mounted and angled to provide maximum southern exposure and profitability of solar energy. The EMC also challenges typical steel beam construction by introducing curved sweeping beams to span across the large atrium space, but also to continue externally to form a sheltered public square and auditorium.

its southern exposure and added visual frontage from Gladstone to tier down from the larger northern block, minimizing the visual impact to the neighbourhood. In implementing the passive ventilation system, the roof is designed as a gentle swoop from grade level to the highest point at the rear of the building. A smooth curving surface encourages air flow across and into the building. Steel is the primary construction method used within the EMC, as large custom spans and sweeping arcs are required both internally and externally. An apparent steel shell makes up the general form of the building, creating a canopied public square at the front and consecutive entrances/ exits throughout. Internally wood is used as a complementary building material, to both draw attention to and warm up the cold steel skeleton. A number of staircases and landings, as well as the primary ramp leading to the top floor of the atrium are made of this sculpted wood. They are each unique, and take on varying organic shapes, complementing the curvaceous rooftop and also breaking up the formality of the northern block.

c) Social Impact The EMC is primarily functioned as a multicultural centre, but its social implications reach much further than to only Ottawa’s minority groups. By introducing complementary program elements within the building, the EMC becomes a building open to everyone. A restaurant is situated at the front of the building bordering Elgin, contributing to the already vibrant street life of closer downtown. A fully equipped workout gym and basketball court brings people of all ages into the building, along with the constantly changing displays and activities that occur within the community centre on a regular basis. The most significant contribution of the EMC to the surrounding neighbourhood however comes with the introduction of market and government subsidized housing on the southern frontage of the building. More than 40 units are provided, contributing to the street life on the surrounding local streets, as well as minimizing the impact of the larger scale in relationship to the surrounding residential neighborhood.

d) Economic Impact The economic impact of EMC to the city of Ottawa is far reaching. The EMC’s unique sustainable design implementation will stand out as an example of the future of sustainable design and engineering. The buildings downtown location makes it a potential destination point for both visitors and residents within the city of Ottawa. Within the public plaza as well as throughout the building plaques and information boards describe the construction techniques and design implementation that will have been used to create the green building, hence encouraging or inspiring visitors for the future of green design. The buildings other programmatic elements of gym, restaurant, and housing will also of course add to the value and richness of the neighborhood and the city on a greater scale.

b) Physical form and materiality The form and shape of the building were decided based on a critical analysis of the site and its surrounding infrastructures. The site lies at the vertex of 2 main arterial roads within the area. The east west running street of Gladstone concludes at its intersection with north south running Elgin by transforming from a 4 lane road into a single lane 1 way local street. This creates in effect a visual trajectory across more than a third of the elongated site. This division immediately splits the site into two distinct zones. The southern section, which acts as a continuation of Gladstone Street across the site, and the northern section which borders Frank Street with a number of substantially large trees. Using the trees as a visual mask to the street, the amount of usable space on the northern side is maximized to become a large formal block. Within this block all of the necessary program elements are situated. The other zone uses

ELGIN MULTICULTURAL CENTRE FROM

conception to completion, this project has been a vast exploration and experimentation in designing and building within the physical realm. I believe that a vital role has been lost between the maker and the building when designing through a digital interface. Gestures and moments are found within the process of creation in an intuitive and delightful way, often providing insight and direction into what forms next. Technology attempts to replicate this natural force, but cannot eclipse it. It is from this basis and my passion for building and evisioning with my hands that I began this project.

site 87

SUSTAINABLE MODEL

CONCEPTUAL CONSTRUCT

conceptualization 88

design 90

ATRIUM + AUDITORIUM

RESTAURANT

interior 91

RESIDENTIAL UNITS

SOLAR PANELS

PASSIVE VENTILATION SYSTEM

OUTDOOR AMPITHEATRE PUBLIC SQUARE

exterior 92

CAND IDATE

Tahmina Orfan 4th Year 100765580 ARCS 4106

P R OJ ECT T IT LE

ABSTRACT

Ottawa Multicultural Centre

The design is a narrative between government of Canada and new immigrants. It is a conversation that challenges the confusion, alienation and hardship of the immigrants and negotiates for better standard of living. The Government building is 15 floors high while the flank residential is 6 floors and contains a food court and garden on the roof. Government programs and offices are unified in one space along with a library and Community Centre. A flat rectilinear facade on Kent Street (West side) conforms to the urban fabric of the street and reconciles the building with its corporate neighbours. The tower represents the government,

standing tall and rigid, dwarfing the low rise beside it; however this massive tower has an emotional and playful side facing the Residential building. The small residential component is enmeshed by interweaving diagonal mullions that represents the crisscrossing paths of the immigration in the globalizing world. The bridge is the focal point of the two structures that wraps around the two buildings and unites them, it is the engagement centre where international shows and performance are held, these shows can also be seen from street level, the intention is to promote diversity and culture and to encourage Canadians to participate in cultural activities.

project as it applies to the following categories: a) Imagineering (Imaginative Engineering) b) Physical form and materiality c) Social Impact S U BM I T T E Dd)TEnvironmental EXT Concerns e) Economic impact.

This building narrates the life story of immigrants of Canada and their struggle of survival, challenging formidable issues mitigated by confusion, alienation, and intensity. Recognizing these challenges, the process of adaptation and spaces of accommodation are created to engage in programs to reconcile and usher in clarification and enlightenment. One of the major issues for the new comers of Canada is the lack of knowledge of their rights and

where international and local events, arts and crafts exhibits, and ethnic cultural performances are held. It showcases dynamic events and invites the public to participate in cultural activities. These shows can also be seen from street level, the intention is to promote diversity and culture and to encourage Canadians to participate in cultural activities.

responsibilities, which further complicates their situation regarding accessibility of available resources for Ottawa Multicultural Centre uses all steel components. Steel offers architectural/ structural and

more seamless integration within Canadian society. Even though Ottawa establishment offers programs to help the new immigrants to claim some belonging to their immediate settings, however, these programs

design flexibility due to its inherent strength, which allows large span distances and curves to be easily

are scattered all over the city, which can be inconvenient or even confusing for the new comers. Hence,

incorporated into designs, with lower cost and high quality results. Steel is also environmentally friendly

the Ottawa Multicultural Centre initiates a variety of programs, such as language courses, employment

and delivers a number of unique environmental benefits such as product longevity, recyclability, easy

help, community integration, legal aid, mentorship, citizenship office and cross cultural education. These

transportation and less raw material wastage. Concrete offers a very wide range of benefits that makes it

programs are clustered in one building that is designed to be accessible and respond to new comers

indispensable on most construction projects. It is hardwearing, durable, fire resistant, affordable and easy

immediate needs.

to maintain. Concrete is also extremely flexible. Using reinforced concrete is the ideal material a multi-

The composition of the Ottawa Multicultural Centre is comprised of a tower, which

story structure. Even as the prices of most building materials rise, the cost of cement remains relatively

accommodates all government sponsored activities. Across from the tower is the residential component

stable, and an increase in the price of steel has little effect on reinforced concrete. The benefits of

for the new immigrants that is directly connected to the tower by a bridge and a tunnel.

concrete reinforced structures include increased safety and structural integrity among others.

Concept: The two contrasting structures are united by a red veil that wraps around the residential complex and connects it with the tower building. The colored veil symbolizes unity of multiculturalism and reconciliation between the new immigrants and the Canadians. The tower building is 15 floors high while the flank residential is 6 floors and contains a food court and garden on the roof. Government programs and offices are unified in one space along with a library and Community Centre. A flat rectilinear facade on Kent Street (West side) conforms to the urban fabric of the street and reconciles the building with its corporate neighbours. The tower represents the government establishments, standing tall and formal on the street facade, dwarfing the low rise residential building beside it. However, this massive tower has an emotional and playful side facing the residential building. The Imagineering is embodied within the residential component that is enmeshed by interweaving diagonal mullions, which represents the crisscrossing paths of the immigration in the globalizing world. The bridge is the focal point of two structures that wraps around the buildings and mediates them; it is the engagement centre

Ottawa Multicultural Centre offers two rooftop gardens; one for the Government building and one for the Residential building. Given the limited space available for additional trees in downtown Ottawa, new adaptation strategies such as placing the vegetation directly on building roofs (rooftop gardens) become especially significant. Rooftop gardens may be a part of the solution to reduce green gas (GHG) emissions. Rooftop gardens offer many benefits to an urban site. They can reduce energy demand on space conditioning, and hence GHG emissions, through direct shading of the roof, evapotranspiration and improved insulation values. They could also help to improve storm water management. Part of the rain is stored in the growing medium temporarily, and will be taken up by the plants and returned to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration. Rooftop gardens delay run-off into the sewage system, thus helping to reduce the frequency of combined sewage overflow events, which is a significant problem for many major cities in North America. The plants and the growing medium can also filter out airborne pollutants washed off in the rain, thus improving the quality of the run-off. In addition, rooftop gardens can increase membrane durability, provide additional green space in urban areas, and increase property values.

Please save this text, as well as this form as a PDF file and submit it on the CD with the images. Student Signature: __________________________________Date:__________________

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CAND IDATE

Lucas Boyd 4th Year 100805515 ARCS 4106

P R OJ ECT T IT LE

ABSTRACT

Urban Agritecture

Urban Agritecture is a proposal for the redevelopment of Ottawaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foster Farm Community Housing located in the Queensway Terrace North neighbourhood. It is a reimagining of how we can not only provide affordable shelter for those in need, but use it as a catalyst that helps the community access the most fundamental of needs. In order to be truly effective, the proposal addresses these issues in a holistic approach, considering the opportunities that at the three scales of the built environment.

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S U BM I T T E D T E X T

URBANAGRITECTURE LUCAS BOYD

How can urban agriculture affect our approach to affordable housing in a northern climate? Urban Agritecture is a proposal for the redevelopment of Ottawa’s Foster Farm Community Housing located in the Queensway Terrace North neighbourhood. It is a re-imagining of how we can not only provide affordable shelter for those in need, but use it as a catalyst that helps the community access the most fundamental of needs. In order to be truly effective, the proposal addresses these issues in a holistic approach, considering the opportunities that at the three scales of the built environment. Imagineering The vast array of social, physical and economic issues that plague affordable housing across the world can essentially be attributed to a lack of access. While basic shelter may be provided, access to a variety of remaining fundamental needs remains very poor. These needs are things such as medical care, communitybuilding establishments, economic opportunity and recreational spaces, or, in other words, a lack of access to health and wealth. The spirit of Urban Agritecture addresses this umbrella issue with strategic agricultural intervention that both facilitates a healthier lifestyle and creates dramatic financial benefits. It does this by reimagining the current model for affordable housing as something of immense social and economic opportunity rather than a cultural burden that society must bear. Social 67% of Ottawa homes are owned, while the rental vacancy rate is a mere 1.6%. This demanding rental market is further complicated by an $1100/month average price tag—the second highest in the country. To be considered financially ‘at risk’, a household must spend over 30% of their income on housing; this means that in order to ‘comfortably’ rent in Ottawa, one must earn approximately $44,000/year. Ottawa’s average income, however, is $32,000/year—this is quite high by Canadian standards but it is still much lower than the required income for market renting. With ownership being so encouraged in North America, this also creates an incredibly steep financial slope for renters to climb if they ever wish to own. Urban Argitecture brings ownership into the discussion of affordable housing and relieves the government by implementing heavy involvement from the private sector. This not only allows access to the variety of construction and development benefits, but strives to close the socio-economic gap between those who own and those who rent. It makes ownership a real possibility for the lowest quintile, allowing them to gain a wealth-producing asset and a home they can call their own. Urban Agritecture is not a social engineering experiment; is is a response to a flawed system— it attempts to lessen the schism between the middle class and marginalized demographics, and transforms affordable housing from a social expense to a social investment. Economic Canadian cities have a variety of methods to provide housing for those in need. All systems, however, are essentially their own version of the same economic and political structure. The government, through either direct or indirect (non-profit organizations) funding, subsidizes the cost of housing through tax breaks, vouchers, etc. Urban Agritecture introduces the private sector as the main player, while keeping the government and non-profit organizations involved in distribution, NOT production or maintaining. Our city’s primary social housing provider is Ottawa Community Housing. The city is the sole shareholder and they house over 30 000 people. OCH has an annual budget of $142 million and own and operate over $2 billion of assets city-wide! By introducing this to the market, not only is this huge amount of wealth passed on to the people, but the three main issues that plague OCH are directly addressed. How does this happen?

give them a $95,000 mortgage and a monthly payment of $536. This requires a yearly income of $21,000— half of that which is required to rent at market rates! Now, the question is, how does one by land, provide infrastructure, construct a house and turn a profit with $100 000? Physical The 100K House implements a number of key strategies, a collection simple moves that drastically reduce the cost of construction and the property and still leave room for an 8% profit. 1. Reduction of parcel size: By compressing the property lines to the perimeter of the house, the typical land parcel size is reduced by 1/10th. This means moving the private outdoor space that is typically a yard to both to the roof top and to shared public land. We must remember that in today’s market, the land is what both costs and appreciates, by reducing the size by such a large amount, the cost is dramatically lowered. Furthermore, as a byproduct of small-lot development, density is inevitably achieved. 2. Share Walls: Party walls need to be common—they split the cost of one wall between units. If these units are then collected into small communities, the building of 18 or 24 units is more similar to the building of 1 large building. A single building envelope (this most expensive above-ground part of a house) is now shared. The result is essentially one small façade hung between two masonry party walls. 3. The ‘half built’ Home: The 100K house is what one would call a ‘bare bones’ product. The point is to provide the very basic of amenities and allow the buyer to enter the ownership market for the lowest possible cost (expanding the potential demographic). The 100K house as built is the absolute bare essentials of ‘the home’, lowering construction cost but also creating a canvas on which the residents can gradually personalize their home over time as they gain the capital. This is a critical aspect of the idea, for the monotony that typically plagues affordable housing is remedied over time by the transformation of the houses into personalized, individual homes. Since the two masonry party walls take care of all structural needs, the customization possibilities are virtually endless. This gives way to a diverse a diverse urban fabric that reflects the individual character of each household. This approach, while providing the economic opportunity for ownership where it is currently unavailable also combats the homogeneity of typical community housing. The homes could be finished on various levels of expense, attracting not only those in the lowest quintile, but the average middle and upper class as well. The 100K House template directly addresses the issues with affordable housing with a universally beneficial solution. Environmental The environmental benefits of Urban Agritecture can be seen at both the urban and architectural scales. The three levels of urban agriculture present in the development lend to a variety of energy saving tactics that simultaneously promote community interaction and public health. The houses are arranged in a back-to back row house fashion, this Is typically a very undesirable arrangement given the lack of access to light and air. The clusters of homes in this development, however, have a shared covered green house that penetrates the top two stories of every house. This not only creates a bright, healthy living space, but provides year-round growing opportunity for its residents. This is what is referred to as he ‘feed me’ level of urban agriculture, with each home having access to 400 sq ft and growing space – enough to feed a family of four. The housing clusters are arranged around the second level of urban agriculture which provides opportunity for the residents to create a surplus. He communal spaces not only acts as an extension of each homes outdoor space, but allow for them to produce more than they need and potentially sell at the local market. This creates economic opportunity but also encourages community interaction – a common activity for the small neighborhoods that are created. The third level of agricultural intervention is located in the large swath of land running the entire length of the development. This, the ‘outreach bar’ is a long strip that connects the community to the planned LRT stop and is covered in public greenhouses and garden plots. This is meant to engage the new development with the surrounding community, inviting in the entire city to come experience a healthy, sustainable method of food production.

In 2009, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation introduced a variety of incentives for first time home buyers. Among them are a $5000 tax credit for those who wish to purchase their first home as well as a mortgage insurance that allows for a down-payment of as little as 5%, with interest rates similar to that of a 20% down payment. If one were to use that $5000 tax credit as a 5% down-payment, this would potentially

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CAND IDATE

Shane Dalke 4th Year 100776380 ARCS 4106

P R OJ ECT T IT LE

ABSTRACT

Agri-park

Agri-Park is an urban concept and an architectural vision. It recognizes the social and behavioral change agriculture can make when introduced to an urban context. The project uses the lens of agriculture to create an architecture that addresses the urgent urban issues of the Bayshore community and ultimately positively change the image of the city. The result is a vision of urban agriculture that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ignore the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dependance on rural agriculture production, and is instead focused on generating a stronger and healthier vibrant community.

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S U BM I T T E D T E X T

AGRI-park TERON SCHOLARSHIP AWARD SHANE DALKE - 100776380

THE ISSUE Agri-Park is first an urban concept and second a piece of architecture. It addresses urgent urban issues that are of global importance and then solves them specifically for the site. An undergraduate degree in architecture is the sum of days, weeks, months and years of technical & academic training. For me, this final project is so much more than a skillful execution of words, images and architectural vision. It is symbolic landmark in my career. I was born into a 200+ year agricultural heritage where a was given a hands on education of farm life and by complete circumstance I found myself in several very interesting crossroads that characterize our time. I am a true rural migrant to the city. I study architecture at a time when our cities and their food systems are being re-imagined to meet environmental, economical, and social objectives. And finally our contemporary state is one of rapid and radical transformation, especially in regard to the development of cities and the innovation of technology. Agri-Park is the result of these observations.

IMAGINEERING Envisioning agriculture in the urban context is a new phenomenon in architectural circles. It comes as a serious response to imagining sustainable futures and engaging community spaces. ese are the core elements in Agri-Park. e project attempts to take these elements further with a stronger position on imagining agriculture in our urban centres. Its relationship to the community and to nature is considered carefully in order to push the urban agriculture conversation further toward eﬀective implementation. My personal experiences with rural agriculture (Morden, Manitoba) and public urban gardens (Berlin, Germany) have enlightened me to the critical divisions between rural & urban perception of agricultural production. AgriPark seeks to join the two conditions with the objective of building a stronger and healthier community. So, how can agriculture be introduced into the urban fabric to build a better community? Simple, its image. On one hand agriculture has an incredible responsibility and on the other, it has an unthinkable social impact. Agri-Park channels conventional food distribution (the only feasible way of feeding Canadian cities) through the lens of agricultural production. e project acknowledges the social and behavioral change agriculture can make when introduced to an urban context. Observation of the site and its activity can have an incredible impact on the community at large, and ultimately change the image of the city.

suitable location for a grocery store, farmers market, culinary arts school, and urban farm. e site has much potential to engage with the community, by addressing its two conditions. e first is a fabric condition on Carling Ave, potential for commercial activity. e second is a garden condition with the site neighbouring private gardens. ese two conditions dictate the basic form of the project by generating a diagonal cut across the site. e program placed on the site generates a courtyard massing. It was important for Agri-Park to have two images, urban and rural. e urban image is a view from Carling Ave, where the grocery store is elevated to provide a view and access to the courtyard and beyond to the farm. Opposing this view is the rural image with farm extending toward a sloped green roof.

SOCIAL IMPACT e trending organic products in our local grocery stores express the general public’s interest in the question of where our food comes from. Agri-Park is about capturing the agricultural image in an urban context, and does so by telling its story. e farm provides an understanding of natural food production. e culinary arts school displays an idea of love preparing and enjoying food. e market allows a variety of local food trade. And its grocery store provides conventional food access. Simply providing the proper access to food and economy is a massive leap toward building a better Bayshore. However, it is the architectural vision that engages the community even further. For example, pathways through the farm address the need for better pedestrian access.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS Agri-Park is addresses sustainable design through its physical building and its site location. Its extensive green roof replaces the current massive parking lot. e rooftop vegetation reduces the heat island effect that other buildings and urban-scapes create. e projects detailing uses low-tech strategies to ensure proper sustainable environment control. Ventilation is gained by setting a narrow width to the building. Furthermore, the building is designed with conventional construction materials and methods that are efficient and effective in their use of embodied energy. e project’s site provides the community with access to services that would otherwise require automotive transportation. But probably the most important environmental advantage is the design of spaces that people cherish. By creating places that people use and care for everyday, all year, the cost of development is well spent.

ECONOMIC IMPACT e economic forces of agriculture in Canada are significant. Agri-Park imagines a smaller economy, but resembles agriculture production in its eﬃciency. e project is designed to be a significant generator of wealth in the community. All of the programs designed into the project support each other in one way or another. By introducing a culinary arts school to the community a greater class diversity begins allowing greater potential for job trade. e second economic initiator is naturally the public which can economically access all aspects of Agri-Park. e project’s image of production and trade support the social and behavioral change its intended to generate in order to build a stronger and healthier community.

PHYSICAL Agri-Park addresses urgent urban issues present in the community of Bayshore. e community has poor access essentials like jobs and food. e physicality of the project begins with a significant program to address the need for access to health and wealth. A large and predominantly vacant site on Carling Ave became a

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TERON SCHOLARSHIP SUBMISSION SHANE DALKE 100776380

ISSUE

The community has poor health, poor connectivity, and poor economic development. (poor access) The urban condition has low intensity, low density, and an abundant amount of vacant interstitial spaces.

POSITION

To recognize the potential urban agriculture has to holistically improve access to health, improve walkability, and to provide economic development. To admit the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s absolute dependence on global production of agriculture in rural areas. (urban agriculture will not replace rural production) To acknowledge the social and behavioral change agriculture can make when introduced to an urban context.

MANIFESTATION

Introduce a new urban-agriculture zoning, incentivising the creation of public gardens, greenhouses and commercial farming. Use the image of urban agriculture to generate the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary node. Strategically program the node to provide access and educate the public.

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ISSUE The community has poor health, poor connectivity, and poor economic development. (poor access)

REGIONAL FOCUS (poor sense of community)

UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE (poor access to good nutrition)

POOR PEDESTRIAN ACCESS (large urban barriers)

POOR ACCESS TO HEALTH & WEALTH (zero grocery stores, poor health habits, lack of proper jobs, little economic activity)

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ISSUE The urban condition has low intensity, low density, and an abundant amount of vacant interstitial spaces.

NATURAL

03 02

LOCAL

03 02

REGIONAL 04

EAST - WEST HIERARCHY (segregated communities)

SITE BARRIERS (regional vs. local vs. natural)

REDEVEOLPMENT NEEDED (node, neighbourhoods, street sections & institial spaces)

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POSITION

acknowledge the “social and behavioral change” AGRICULTURE can make when introduced to an urban context. 6TH LARGEST EXPORTER $40.3 BILLION OF EXPORTS INTERNATIONALLY DEPENDENT $31 BILLION OF IMPORTS

SOCIAL

TOTAL GDP

1.5%

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

CANADIAN AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION

MEDIA

HISTORY

13.8%

SIGHT

INDUSTRIAL SIZE SMALL FARMS 10.5%

VERTICAL FARMING

POTENTIAL FOR SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL CHANGE

To admit the city’s absolute dependence on global production of agriculture in rural areas. (urban agriculture will not replace rural production) To recognize the potential urban agriculture has to holistically improve access to health, improve walkability, and to provide economic development. To acknowledge the unfeasibility of vertical farming and urban agriculture as a sole food producer for cities. 133

MANIFESTATION UA1

ACCESS URBAN AGRICULTURE AS ACTIVATOR (use education as link)

Farm

UAS1

CENTRAL NODE

NEW CENTRAL LOCAL NODE

INTRODUCE ZONING (allow organic implementation of agriculture)

Culinary Arts School

ACCESS

store STUDENTS

Farmers Market

Grocery Store

PROGRAM FOR ACCESS

market

PUBLIC

school

CHANGE THE IMAGE OF THE CITY (place making)

PRODUCING ECONOMY

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THE IDEA

TWO CONDITIONS

STORE AT CARLING

ADD SCHOOL

INSERT MARKET

CONTINUOUS GREEN

ADD FARM

PUSH & PULL

TWO SCENIC VIEWS

Use the image of urban agriculture to generate the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary node. Strategically program the node to provide access and educate the public. 135

PLAN

STREETCAR STOP

GROCERY ACCESS

MAIN SCHOOL ENTRANCE

COURTYARD

SCHOOL COURTYARD

PROCESSING

FARMLAND

COMMUNITY ENTRANCE

-view of grocery store -view to farm -provides easy access to site

-entrance for grocery -barrier from road

STORE / SCHOOL / RESTAURANT

-commercial buildings -direct access on carling -car access

-vernacular form -”roof” supports lecture hall & escalators to library -restaurant patio

MARKET CANOPY

-space available for market -under grocery store -wood flooring -metalic / wooden ceiling

CLASSROOMS

-access to farm -connected -studio kitchen space -traditional classrooms

03 05

-large open space -hardscape -used for public events -available for market

06 07

-access to courtyard -connected to car garage -connected to grocery

-secondary entrance to school -view toward grocery -access to car garage

RETAIL BUILDING

CLASSROOMS

-access to farm -connected -studio kitchen space -traditional classrooms

-space for food process -direct access to farm -machinery storage

COMMUNITY ENTRANCE

-western access to site -provides shortcuts -view of farm

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-cultivated land -organized in long strips -access from bridge paths

-connects two axial paths -centre piece in farm -anchors the bridges for farmwork

-eastern access to site -provides shortcuts -view of farm

-south-eastern access to site -provides shortcuts -view of farm -view of extended plane

COMMUNITY ENTRANCE

-southern access to site -provides shortcuts -view of farm -view of extended plane

PATH ANCHOR

COMMERCIAL BUILDING

- open to carling street - invites viewers into site - access for inventory

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SEED SHOP MAIN SCHOOL ENTRANCE LIBRARY / BOOK STORE LECTURE HALL COURTYARD ENTRANCE RESTAURANT CONNECTING BRIDGE CLASSROOMS / STUDIOS GROCERY STORE / GREENHOUSE CLASSROOMS / STUDIOS GROCERY STORE ACCESS SCHOOL ACCESS GREENHOUSE TWO TIER CONNECTION LOADING BAR CONNECTING BRIDGE SCHOOL ENTRANCE RETAIL SPACES CLASSROOMS / STUDIOS CLASSROOMS / STUDIOS PROCESSING / AG SERVICES

BIRDSEYE VIEW (pathways through the farm become important short cuts for locals)

EXPLODED AXO (unified program)

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SECTION DRAMATIC GROCERY (elevated store provides street access and view to courtyard & beyond)

INSPIRED BY VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE (ceiling slope of entrance is underside of interior escalator and theatre stair)

QUIET COURTYARD (interior court provides space for farmers marke)

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VIEW FROM CARLING 139

VIEW OF THE FARM

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CAND IDATE

Mateusz Nowacki 4th Year 100792164 ARCS 4106

P R OJ ECT T IT LE

ABSTRACT

PIER+: Andrew Haydon Park Renewal

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S U BM I T T E D T E X T

pier +

Andrew Haydon Park Renewal Mateusz Nowacki 100792164 Prof. Shelagh McCartney ARCS 4106

A. Imagineering The pier+ project endeavors to produce architecture that exemplifies a harmonic relationship between natural and built landscapes. As opposed to looking at the natural flooding and ecological conditions of the site as limiting constraints, the design of the project chooses to celebrate these instances as ones which are rooted in the goal of the design. The primary characteristic of the site is its constant flooding throughout the seasons as well as the species that inhabit the area due to its changing water level. To answer the constant flux of the site, surge pools that gather, measure, and filter pollutants out of the water are implemented in certain areas of the current ravines as a means to promote the existing species to form new habitats in the site. In order to not disrupt the natural conditions of the water, tide-sensitive piers hover over the surge pools, bridging land and water and making a seemingly inaccessible wetland more useable to pedestrians. In addition to these structural implementations, the details of the structure of the piers as well as the buildings that abut them are imagined as ones that are environmentally conscious. From a weaving platform that creates openings for existing trees and insect catchment areas to facades of the building that incorporate areas for bird nesting or feeding, each structural detail is designed as a part of the existing ecological site and does not attempt to detract from it.

B. Physical Form and Materiality Using simple and site-sensitive strategies, the pier+ project aims at creating comprehensive and practical forms that promote the use of the wetland area by pedestrians and visitors as well as local animal species. The project adapts to the current road circulation by extending the street grid and its usage out toward the shoreline and along the existing ravines, creating a circulation pattern that connects dry land, flooding areas, and the water in a planning strategy perpendicular to the river as opposed to parallel with it. This ultimately would establish areas of use in the three different conditions of the site where different species’ habitats exist. Simultaneously, it creates different viewpoints for visitors as well as improved circulation for winter water skiers, ice fishers, or skaters during the winter months. The form of the buildings endeavor to create a simple yet dynamic addition to the marshland that also allows currently inaccessible flooding areas to be experienced from within the building in a new perspective. The simple building shapes are derived from the piers themselves, creating a unified and practical public space, while also establishing a number of viewpoints towards the water and Gatineau Hills. The sensitive forms, constructed from local Canadian timber construction, hover over the different wetland areas and are programed with integrating public spaces such as theatres or classrooms, in order to create a symbiotic relationship between natural landscape and new public space.

C. Social Impact The project acknowledges its context as one that bridges two neighborhoods of different social classes and income quintiles. As a means to link these classes together, the implemented programs use the site as a socially integrative public area as well as one that establishes a better relationship between pedestrians and local animal species. Programs such as a theatre of the arts, an elementary school, as well as a public greenhouse, will ensure the constant use and promotion of the site and will also aid in the integration of residents of the area by means of communal engagement. In addition, a museum showcasing information and exhibits on local animal species, water pollution, and a history of Canada’s endangered wetlands would help create a more informed and ecologically conscious public. Each program is intended to have a more direct relationship with the natural conditions of the site. For instance, bird feeders are integrated into the sheathing and façade of the elementary school and endangered plant species are planted on the pier abutting it, allowing the class schedule during the day to incorporate the management of plants and feeding of birds by children. Ultimately, this develops actively managed spaces that acknowledge the environmental importance of the site as well as the significance it can have in integrating different social and ethnic classes no matter the age group.

D. Environmental Concerns Environmentally driven design strategies are at the core of the pier+ project, recognizing its significance of being an ecologically sustainable public space. 14% of Canada’s land mass is covered by wetlands, yet 90% of southern Ontario wetlands have been lost due to agricultural practice or urbanization. Not only has this contributed to the loss of many species, but it has also created an imbalanced ecological system in many of Canada’s rivers and lakes. Well-balanced wetlands act as natural water filtration systems and help control insect populations. The design of each pier endeavors to re-manage the wetland using specific implementations that promote the habitats of different animal or plant species. Using the pier as a multi-functional structural base, different nodes of habitat infrastructures, urban remediation areas, or ecological sustainers or recorders are created as a means to promote new fish habitats, frog breeding platforms, natural water-filtered swimming pools, bird nesting areas, insect catchment areas, or publicly accessible waterflooding recorders. Through these strategies, there is a stepping down in scale from a large urban-planning project to how the details of said project acts in harmony with its small ecological systems.

E. Economic Impact Due to the site’s location on land belonging to the National Capital Commission of Canada, the programs incorporated into the project would be federally funded and would ultimately establish economic growth by becoming a regional node. The NCC’s goal is to ensure that Canada’s Capital region is a source of national pride by acknowledging the natural conditions that give character to Canada’s vast and dynamic landscape. As such, the pier+ project ensures that the land would be developed with an ecologically conscious design project that uses public space in an ecological setting as a social integrator. In addition, it would also create a significant node in Canada’s capital that would be economically attainable and ecologically sustainable. Commercial spaces along the pier also allow local economic growth to flourish and respond to the different income quintiles in the area.

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CAND IDATE

John Gaitan 4th Year ARCS 4106

P R OJ ECT T IT LE

Richmond Boardwalks Master Plan

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S U BM I T T E D T E X T

bridging Richmond to the waterfront

The site is situated on the west end of the city, framed by Richmond Road, McEwan Avenue and Woodroffe Avenue. As of right now, the LRT is planned to run through the site, allowing the urban core to connect to the site and leaves room for potential growth. A master plan developed by Danielle Morley, Ali Piwowar, Benoit Maranda and I, bridges the community to the water and develops the site to be healthy, vibrant, and playful. Within the master plan each group member developed an area of focus which then together maintained a level of cohesion between the materials and design. I developed the eastern component of the site focusing on a spa, boardwalk along the water; boardwalk connecting back to Richmond; mixed-â&#x20AC;?use housing; as well as gardens. It was important to provide programs and design that would make Richmond Boardwalks unique to the city. The concept derives from the once prosperous logging industry, which started the boom within Ottawa. The site formally grew due to prosperity of the logging industry and the former local rail that used to be passing through. The idea of ice burgs is a representation of the icy landscape of Canada, quickly diminishing as the year progresses. All designs, textures colour and materials are inspired by these contrasting ideas -â&#x20AC;? driftwood and ice burgs. Analyzing the site, there was not a proper ratio of number of services to site demographics. There was a large amount of car services and an abundance of run down fast food restaurants that would front Richmond road. The goal was to implement newly commercial services for the residential community with close proximity to their dwellings. There would be an incorporation of small businesses, healthier food services, a bank, grocer and medical services. The majority of the community consists of seniors thus creating accessibility within a reasonable distance is crucial. There was also an opportunity to widen the demographic of this area by proposing bachelor units for Algonquin college students. The population of this area would at least double due to the high volume use of the LRT. Towards the eastern side of the master plan there was a focus on mixed use housing that would integrate seniors, students and families. Store fronts are positioned along Richmond to follow the ordinance of the CDP. The design of the store fronts creates a strong connection between pedestrians to the activity occurring within the store. The faĂ§ade would be constructed of glass to allow for views of the waterfront. Implementation of a series of breaks by creating voids, would allow programs such as gardens, play areas, and connections into other parts of the site. Above the store front would be a green roof that would connect to existing tower and proposed multi use housing with private gardens. Theses interactive store fronts along Richmond will create harmonious environment and a sense of community. l

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S U BM I T T E D T E X T

Roof gardens from the store front would easily connect to all four mixed-‐use housing complexes. The gardens would be accessed through the service corridor of the building which would include programs such as gym, day care, laundry, rental rooms as well as platforms observing the waterfront. The ground level of each building would incorporate two-‐story town housing, each containing a private backyard and easily integrated to the boardwalk on the front. The façade of each town house would have patterned frosted texture to create controlled lighting environment inside the unit. The semi-‐transparent method will interrelate with the outside world while being a private residential unit. The texture of the glass would mimic icy textures. The top four floors above would be Manhattan style bachelors for students, integrating a new demographic to the site that would revive the site. Each bachelor unit would have a covered wood slatted porch for privacy and controlled lighting. A glass core in the centre of the building would run all the way down underground connecting to parking and also provide a means of egress to access services and bachelor units. Parking will be accessed through a new street dividing NCC land and program facing Richmond road. Most parking will be underground and easily accessed through mixed using housing. The goal is to hide parking and invite people to walk, bike or use local transit such as the LRT. The master plan proposes three boardwalks connecting pedestrians from Richmond to the Ottawa River. Each boardwalk would contain ramps or breaks that would connect to the NCC land. The eastern boardwalk would pass through the parkway and ramp onto the boardwalk along the water. The pathways themselves act as dividers and compartmentalize the gargantuan land, making it more inviting for people to use and seem manageable to walk across. Underneath the boardwalk connecting to the therapeutic centre would have a series of gardens that would allow for intimacy. There would be a contrast between open space and closed off gardens. The designs of the columns are tree like during the summer and transform to a sculptural glacier in the winter. THE SPA AND THERAPEUTIC CENTRE would be a point of arrival for people to relax and rejuvenate. Due to the current demographic along the site, a centre for healing, and therapeutic treatments would work as a great business model and deliver something invigorating for adults and seniors. Programming the waterfront serves as an opportunity for the pedestrian to engage with the water rather than the car. The landscape adds to the atmosphere and vibrancy needed on the site. This centre acts a node, therefore a bike rack would be positioned beneath the white glacier mass. Within the mass there would be more social spaces such as restaurant, rental spaces, look out, administration and therapeutic offices. The structure would be connected through the pathway, making the journey towards the water. The wooden mass would be a private spa for adults in which the envelope would be built of wooden slats to allow for privacy. The material is sensitive to the landscape so it looks hidden in contrast to the other masses that make a statement. 158

BOARDWALK ALONG THE WATER is parallel to Richmond and is considered as the playful,

making the journey towards the water. The wooden mass would be a private spa for adults in which the envelope would be built of wooden slats to allow for privacy. The material is sensitive to the landscape so it looks hidden in contrast to the other masses that make a statement. S U BM I T T E D T E X T BOARDWALK ALONG THE WATER is parallel to Richmond and is considered as the playful, entertainment element of the site. The proposed boardwalk design would be the largest in Ottawa; feature lily pad seating throughout and small pavilions on water creating an urban beach setting. The concept of icebergs and driftwood are fully exemplified by the seating and two-‐story white pavilions floating on water. The pavilions have many functions such as: change room, look-‐out points, concert space and the option of film screenings. The site becomes a joint experience for its residences and visitors. It is transformed from an underused area to a harmonious site where pedestrians experience nature and social interactions every step of the way. ll

STORE FRONTS

positioned along Richmond to follow the ordinance of the CDP. The design of the store front creates a strong connection between pedestrian to the activity occurring within the store. The façade would be made up of glass to allow for clear views of the waterfront. A series of breaks by creating voids

would create gardens, play areas, and connections into other parts of the site. Above the store

front would be a green roof that would connect to existing tower and proposed multi use housing for private gardens. The implementation of these store fronts along Richmond unite the site; creating a sense of community.

MIXED USE HOUSNG

implemented along the east end of the site. There would be four eight storey

buildings with connections to private gardens above the store fronts. The ground level of each

building would incorporate two storey town housing. Above two storey housing would be services such as: laundry, day care, gym, rental rooms, and viewing platforms to the

PARKING

will be accessed through a new street dividing NCC land and program facing Richmond road. Most parking will be underground and easily accessed through the multipurpose housing. The goal is to hide parking and invite people to walk, bike or use local transit such as the LRT.

waterfront. The next four floors above would be Manhattan style bachelors for students, integrating a new demographic to the site that would bring life to the area.

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DESTINATION

ARRIVAL

McEwen.AVE

New Orchard.AVE

Woodroffe.AVE

160 Richmond.RD

BYRON

RICHMOND ROAD

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sectional axo with programming 5

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BOARDWALKS

would connect pedestrians from Richmond to the Ottawa river. These boardwalks would pass through the parkway and ramp onto the boardwalk along the water. Each boardwalk would contain ramps or breaks that would connect to the NCC land. The pathways themselves acts as dividers, and compartmentalize the gargantuan land, making it more inviting for people to use and seem manageable to walk across. Underneath the boardwalk connecting to the therapeutic centre would have a series of gardens that would allow for intimacy. There would be a contrast between open space and closed off gardens.

BOARDWALK ALONG THE WATER: is parallel to Richmond

playful, entertainment element of the site. The proposed boardwalk and is considered the

design would be the largest in Ottawa; feature lily pad seating throughout, and small pavilions on water creating an

urban beach setting.

SPA AND THERAPUETIC CENTRE would be a point of arrival for people to relax and rejuvenate. Due to the current

demographic along the site, a centre for healing, and using traditional therapeutic treatments would work as a great business model and deliver something invigorating for adults and seniors. Programming the waterfront serves as an opportunity for the pedestrian to take back the views of the water rather than the car. The landscape adds to the atmosphere and vibrancy needed on the site. The design is made up of the concept drift wood and ice burgs.

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top:walking along the boardwalk bottom: enjoying the NCC land 7

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top: view from boardwalk bottom:view from spa rooftop

JOHN GAITAN YEAR 4: STUDIO 7 100765639

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CAND IDATE

Benoit Miranda 4th Year 100791033 - ARCS 4106

P R OJ ECT T IT LE

ABSTRACT

Ambleside Renewal

Visionary ideals of the cultures created by modernist "towers in the park" were once rich and promising, with their vast, expansive lawns overlooking rivers and parkways. Many of these have however suffered sturctural deterioration and gained notorious reputations as cesspools of unhealthy, substandard living. The approach for this renewal project for a large neighbourhood in Ottawa's West End is to reintorduce the original ideals associated with the modernist planning principles, in an effort to conserve the identity of the tower, whilst mixing them with new strategies for urban planning and transit which respond to modern housing demands and follow the impetus of city densification in the 21st century.

Rethinking Tower Landscapes in Ottawa's West End

The Ambleside neighbourhood is slated for increased development due to the city's recent approval of the new light rail transit passing through the Richmond Road - Byron Avenue corridor, directly adjacent the large site of roughly fifteen blocks. The proposal focuses on pedestrian boardwalks piercing through the underused green spaces of the site, extending towards the Ottawa River, in order to open up the water and the NCC land to public use. The anchors for the new site plan are a large transit station ushering a public plaza featuring new amenities, new storefronts along Richmond Road and several template residential projects, transcended by a spa and health centerm which target the current demographics (mainly seniors) and anticipates the evential transformation of the area into a bustling node attracting younger professionals as well as families.

INDIVIDUAL PROJECT ARISING FROM A LARGER GROUP PROJECT: The Ambleside Master Planning project was a group effort, ongoing throughout the semester, with fellow students John Gaitan, Danielle Morley and Ali Piwowar. The group collaborated for all phases of development and presentation. In the design and proposal development phase, the site was divided into four sections, with each of us responsible for one site. All individual proposals were coordinated to embody the general gestures and typologies employed by the group. My work focused mainly on the transit station and adjacent plaza, covering the block bound by Ambleside Drive, Richmond Rd. and New Orchard Ave. (see key plan)

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S U BM I T T E D T E X T AMBLESIDE RENEWAL ___________________ Rethinking Tower Landscapes in Ottawa’s West End

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

“Visionary ideals of the cultures created by modernist “towers in the park” were once rich and promising, with their vast expansive lawns overlooking rivers and parkways.” ABSTRACT Ottawa, like many cities in the modern period, experience between 1965 and 1975 a massive change in urban identity, with the emergence of large housing towers, taking the form of large complexes where clusters of identical, domineering block-masses sporadically mushroomed in low-density, near-urban and suburban fabrics. Such towers have now decayed and face a future of assured demolition if they are not immediately addressed as pieces of architecture and urban planning in need of rehabilitation. Visionary ideals of the cultures created by these “towers in the park” were once rich and promising, with their vast, expansive lawns overlooking rivers and parkways. The approach for this renewal project for a large neighborhood in Ottawa’s West End is to reintroduce these ideals in an effort to conserve the identity of the tower, whilst mixing them with new strategies for urban planning and transit. The Ambleside neighborhood is slated for increased development due to the city’s recent approval of the new light rail transit passing through the Richmond Road – Byron Avenue corridor, directly adjacent the large site of roughly fifteen blocks. The proposal focuses on pedestrian boardwalks piercing through the underused green spaces of the site, extending towards the Ottawa River, in order to open up the water and the NCC land to public use. The anchors for the new site plan are a large transit station

ushering a public plaza featuring new amenities, new storefronts along Richmond Road and several template residential projects, transcended by a spa and health center, which target the current demographics (mainly seniors) and anticipates the eventual transformation of the area into a bustling node attracting younger professionals as well as families. The proposal further investigates renewal of several existing buildings and housing towers on site.

STRATEGY FOR THE SITE The approach for the site was developed through rigorous analysis of the current demographics of the area, and the way in which they respond to, and come short of, the requirements outlined in the community design plan for Richmond Rd. west of Westboro, as well as the city’s desire to intensify along newly created transit corridors, such as the one which will run down Richmond Road from Tunney’s Pasture to Baseline station with the construction of the Light Rail, which is slated for completion in 2025. Not only will the site find itself in the direct path of this new transit, but also faces an urgency for redevelopment, as its towers now face the end of their primary life cycle. The first imperative is to rethink the site, and prepare it for the intensification that will ensue the construction of the light rail through a series of urban interventions. The first, is the design of a station and adjacent plaza which will act as a main stop along the light rail line, connecting the residents of the neighborhood to downtown and other major destinations such as College Square and Bayshore Mall. This statin, in turn will rationalize the transformation of the neighborhood, which offers a lot of space for intensification and is strategically located in proximity to the Ottawa River and adjacent NCC lands, into a urban nucleus, turning the entire area into a destination, rather than an aging community in simple passing. Four initiatives were explored in order to address the current state of the neighborhood and jumpstart its redevelopment towards its desired status. First, is the implementation of continuous commercial space fronting Richmond Road on its North Side, offering many basic services such as a Bank, and medical services for the rapidly aging demographics of the site, as well modern hybrid spaces meant to accommodate a breadth of commercial ventures such as small stores, cafes, pop-up shops, temporary venue rentals etc. This would be complemented by the addition of a broad sidewalk along Richmond Road, on-street parking along Byron, as well as walkways and bikeways, all framing the light rail line proposed at the central median between Richmond and Byron. Second, between McEwen Ave. and Woodroffe Ave. is a proposal for a series of boardwalks, wide pathways that cut through the

tower landscapes and through the NCC land, opening direct accesses from Richmond to the Ottawa River. The third, is the recladding and redevelopment of several towers at the end of McEwen Ave, concentrating on those which contain subsidized units and condominiums for seniors, as they are the ones who have fallen in the most considerable disrepair. Finally, the fourth proposal is to provide a general narrative to the neighborhood, by adding a small theatre, a spa and wellness center along the river, and various amenities such as garden spaces for tenants without lawns, outdoor seating spaces, small sports fields and a significant increase in parking. These urban interventions act as peripheral extensions of the two nodes, the station and the wellness center, which together embody the characteristics of a departure point and destination, with the dweller/consumer/visitor wandering throughout the site from on point to another.

THE DEPARTURE POINT STATION AND PLAZA

–

THE

TRANSIT

Within the greater gestures for the site, the focus of this particular project was the development of the transit station, and by extension, the planning for the light rail as well as the Richmond-Byron corridor. The station is located on a triangular site, on the North side of Richmond Road. At McEwen Avenue, the lightrail lines would plunged into the ground, crossing Richmond Road underneath the street and requiring an elaborate exit strategy for the station located on site. The form is a large, undulated canopy supported by large columns and an open gallery, providing an exceptional quality of light on the platform level underneath. The existing tower immediately to the north of the station was maintained due to its acceptable structural and aesthetic quality, and its ground floor was transformed into a series of commercial units, with the borrowed apartments being rebuilt atop the existing roof, adding a threefloor glass “crown” to the building. The plaza is a dynamic amalgam of platforms, some raised, some lowered, some angled, some greened and treed, some paved with various stones. Small, light filled “cabins” produce stairs which lead down to the parking levels underneath. The plaza is the release spaces of the station, the dimension where commuters spill out from the platforms below, and begin permeating the site.

IMAGINEERING The work undertaken to revitalize the Ambleside neighborhood and its tower landscape sought to introduce a multiplicity of urban and architectural typologies whilst attempting to rationalize the current site plan, which is chaotic and vagrant. The proposal does retain a certain utopian dimension, in an effort to return to the visionary ideals that gave credence to the original layout: modernism. The focus is on

rendering the picturesque more accessible, and the tower less daunting, and exploring liberal interpretations of the concepts of gentrification and intensification so as to complement and embellish the tower in the park typology.

PHYSICAL The station capitalizes on the fact that the site on which it rests is irregular and located outside of the regular street grid, which allows its form to be freer and more playful. The site is considered near-urban, and as such, the breadth of the proposals were not limited to the street corner, the straight avenue and the city block. The proposal retains a sense of playfulness and irregularity that recalls the picturesque qualities of early modernist housing towers.

SOCIAL The social imperative for Ambleside is to break down the homogenous demographic groups (currently mainly seniors and by introducing more balanced housing stocks and a more complete set of amenities. Borrowing from other Ottawa neighborhoods such as Centretown and Westboro/Hintonburg, the approach for the design is to provide incentives for more diverse lifestyles, by encouraging use of outdoor facilities, services within walking/biking distance, and above all, the introduction of new demographics such as young families who would otherwise prefer to live as suburbanites, professionals, as well as a combination of at-marker and subsidized units.

ENVIRONMENTAL Environmental issues, such as the efficiency of current energy consumption levels for the existing towers (which is mainly lost through heating and poor insulation), were considered in an effort to address the overall conditions of the site. Recladding towers with higher performance glazing as well as the use of solar paneling could potentially decrease the energy consumption of these towers by as much as 35%.

ECONOMIC The project involves a combination of small, individual instances (such as condominiums and commercial units) but also far-reaching projects that cross a variety of disciplines, zoning types, and areas of the site (such as the train station, boardwalks to the river and Richmond-Byron corridor plan. Economically, this would engage with the city and their various planning bodies, but would also leave individual plots open to development along certain design guidelines, which would rationalize the proposal financially by involving developers and land speculators.

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CAND IDATE

Aisha Sawatsky 4th Year 100767975 - ARCS 4106

P R OJ ECT T IT LE

ABSTRACT

Alight!

Mobility Through Transit

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b) Physical form and materiality c) Social Impact d) E nvironmental Concerns e) S U BM I T T EEconomic D T E X T impact. As Ottawa s population increases, the related traffic in order to access the city will add pressure to the existing infrastructure; therefore the municipality is embarking on a multi-billion-dollar light-rail transit project that will connect peripheral communities with the downtown core. Much of the track will be laid in and around existing highway and freight rail

routes were altered in order to permeate the local neighbourhood and spur local development. Alight employs this thesis of designing in order for local activity to benefit from regional activity. The site of the Foster Farms Community Housing at the intersection of Pinecrest Road and Highway 417 was chosen

infrastructures, which were originally and intentionally built to deter pedestrian access. This makes a poor foundation for

out of necessity to improve the current disconnect from the surrounding neighbourhood. Several physical and programmatic

public transit routes, as demonstrated in Ottawa already by the O-train stations. This project demonstrates transit-oriented

barriers discourage the accessibility that is necessary to prevent the ghettoization of low-income areas. Presently, the residents

development around stations in order to maximize the potential of this large scale investment.

of Foster Farms live in a fabric that is unusual in comparison to its surroundings, isolating and identifying itself as a low-

Generally speaking, density of population and employment is critical within 400 metres of a transit station. The City

income community. Firstly, road access and pedestrian access are in opposing proportions; while a typical residential

of Ottawa recommends a larger 600 metre radius; possibly because a large percentage of this critical area is occupied by dead

neighbourhood has direct road access to every house, Foster Farms employs a typology of several townhome units located

zones that will support the transit infrastructure, anticipating that the light rail project may suffer the same fate as the O-train.

around a common parking lot, with pedestrian pathways linking all the buildings. The manner in which the typical pedestrian

The current bus rapid transit system generally operates on busy regional roads, with stations that are inaccessible and

interacts with residential fabric from the point of view from the sidewalk determines the perception of the fabric and its

undeveloped due to their proximity to highway interchanges. Since light rail stations are intended to replace bus rapid transit

inhabitants. By redesigning the community with the road, front lawn, and dwelling proportions of its surroundings, the

stations in the same locations, the lack of transit-oriented development surrounding the stations will not improve due to

neighbourhood becomes better integrated and more likely to create a safe, productive, and welcoming atmosphere for residents

continued inaccessibility.

and visitors alike. This initial design strategy is a basic step towards remediation.

Within the neighbourhood development for the Bay Ward, what will be the significance of a transit-oriented

Referring back to the thesis of the larger urban plan for the Bayshore neighbourhood, regional attractions in proximity

development at the location of Pinecrest station? 1300 residents of Foster Farms Community Housing live within and on the

of Foster Farms were identified in order to place access routes that would benefit local economies. Three institutions were

periphery of the 400-metre radius. Considering a light rail transit project as an easier means of greater city access, in the

labeled as such: Boys & Girls Club of Ottawa s Britannia Clubhouse, Muslim Association of Canada s Abraar Islamic School,

context of low-income areas an accessible transit station can also catalyze social mobility. Through all scales, good physical

and the Paroisse Saint-Remi of the ArchdiocĂ¨se d Ottawa . Presently, these three institutional buildings are clustered between

and social access is the foundation for preventing the ghettoization of low-income areas.

Grenon and Dumaurier Avenues, with indirect road access and poor visibility. A number of barriers in the form of fences,

The Bayshore Neighbourhood Revitalization Plan, an urban design that anticipates Alight, identified existing

trees, and inappropriate programming prevent the surrounding community from easily accessing these important facilities. An

attractions within the site that drew patrons from a regional scale; these were Bayshore Shopping Centre, Coliseum Ottawa

overabundance of parking facilities also wastes public space that would be better served in the form of community gardens,

Cinemas, and the Ottawa River Bay parks and recreational facilities. Capitalizing on the traffic these sites created, the access

recreational fields, markets, and the like. A new building between the Britannia Clubhouse and the Abraar Islamic School would act as mediator and allow the facilities of both buildings to be maximized, since each institution operates in the other s off-hours. At present, the park next to the clubhouse and school is closed off from public access by fencing, vegetation, and topography; it reads more as the playgrounds of the institution than as a green space to be shared by the community. The fencing necessarily separates private backyards from the park, though the bare fence acts as a blunt wall to enclose the park. An additional educational facility or community centre stretching along this wall would integrate the public spaces with buildings that have public programs. This project is intended to socially and economically impact and support the residents of low-income peripheral areas of the city who are currently not benefitting from public transit in a way that typically results from such an implementation. But the idea of creatively building and filling the valuable 400-metre radius around a transit station lends support to the city and its citizens as a whole. These transit-oriented developments would create valuable living and working destinations at every transit stop, not only those stops within the downtown core. Increased programming within this radius would increase ridership of public transit, which needs to be increased for the sake of environmental concern: over sixty percent of workers commute to their place of employment by private vehicle. These transit-oriented developments would also act as bridges across currently inaccessible areas: this project ultimately seeks to connect communities that are currently divided by heavy regional infrastructure.

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Ric

Pine ad UNDEVELOPED SPACE WITHIN 400 M

TRANSIT INFLUENCE RADIUS AS DESCRIBED BY THE CITY OF OTTAWA

600 M 5 MINUTES WALK

400 M

ALIGHT! MOBILITY THROUGH TRANSIT 184

ALIGHT! MOBILITY THROUGH TRANSIT 185

ALIGHT! MOBILITY THROUGH TRANSIT 186

1.5?

REGIONAL Â ATTRACTIONS Â ON Â SITE

" !! " $

! !! # 187

Abraar School (! " #(*)-*$# Islamic School

Britannia Clubhouse $0( 7 '!( !- $ , / $ *$# Partnership School School < 2,500

< 5,000

< 7,500

< 15,000

< 30,000

< 1,000

Paroisse Saint-‐Remi ) $! -' / ) ' # $% $# ( '. Partnership School

< 2,000

POPULATION OF YOUTH (AGES 5 -‐ 18)

23.1% ORLEANS

22.5% KANATA

22.2%

23.0%

HUNT CLUB SOUTH NEPEAN

< 3,000

< 4,000

< 5,000

MUSLIM POPULATION

17.2%

ALTA VISTA

7.0%

HUNT CLUB

4.8%

ALTA VISTA

3.4%

ORLEANS

4.4%

MERIVALE

< 1,000

< 2,500

< 5,000

< 7,500

< 15,000

FRANCOPHONE-‐CATHOLIC POPULATION

5.1%

SOUTH NEPEAN

13.7% ORLEANS

14.6%

OTTAWA EAST

6.7%

INNER AREA

6.5% 11.0%

ALTA VISTA BEACON HILL

POPULATION OF YOUTH AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL POPULATION

MUSLIM POPULATION AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL POPULATION

FRANCOPHONE-‐CATHOLIC POPULATION AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL POPULATION

BRITANNIA CLUBHOUSE

ABRAAR ISLAMIC SCHOOL

PAROISSE SAINT-‐REMI

# '() # , / # ) ' ( ' #(*)-) %$') $# ! " #) '0 $$!( )- # ) #'$!!" #) ( $. ' % )0

/$' # )$/ ' ( () ! ( # $$! # $-) #)'

-') () / () ) $! -' / ) ' # $% $# ( '. -%%$')( ) # ( $$!( $ ) 5 $#( ! ( $! ( ) $! &- ( - #)' 4 ()6 ' ! ( ) !! ) !$ *$# # # )

#!0 !$ *$# / ) (/ "" # %$$! 5:899 ' #$. *$#63 ' $ ' $' " " '( ')# ' / ) # ' () - ! $$! # $$ '$ $$!

REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS ON SITE 188

ACCESSIBILITY ┬аTO ┬аREGIONAL ┬аATTRACTIONS Physical ┬аBoundary

Cul-┬нтАРde-┬нтАРsac

189

MEDIATING Â BARRIERS

190

MEDIATING BARRIERS

191

IDENTIFYING Â BARRIERS

192

PHASE Â 1: Â ROAD Â ACCESS

MURB

PHASE Â 2: Â HOUSING

PHASE Â 3: Â WALL-Ââ&#x20AC;?PARK

Yield Â to Â cyclists

Yield Â to Â pedestrians

193