CONCEPT
The project creates a compact and human-scaled plan, which is integrated with a metal scrim that defines semi-public outdoor spaces which are connected to various interior programmes of the pavilion. The programme starts as a mass that becomes bifurcated; creating an internal street scape that connects the park to the speed skating oval to the south. Each mass is further eroded, creating external courtyards along the street edge and the perimeter of both buildings, activating all edges of the project. The main office is centrally located and acts as a panopticon, legible as the main point of dialogue while also providing support to all the adjacent public occupations. The public spaces are codified with wood surfaces. The perforated metal scrim unifies the building, providing an illusion of solidity and reflectivity that gradually disappears as one approaches the building; it is a sheathe that allows the building to disappear into the landscape, at once neither building nor landscape, but both. While the scrim weaves through the project, demarcating space, it also actively makes explicit and implicit connections to the evolving natural light-scape and climatic nuances of Edmonton's four seasons. The atmospheric experience of the building is therefore akin to walking through the forest; an evolving and emotive reconnection to nature's sights, smells, and textures: winter's hoar frost, autumn's multicolored camouflage, spring's vibrant energy, and summer's radiance. Experientially, the project is gradually discovered through movement and exploration, contemplation and stillness. The building form is not a discrete object; it is woven with the landscaping, which acts as second scrim, further developing the experiential synergy between the pavilion and its multi-sensory surroundings. Within the semi-private zones, the metal scrim folds back, creating a surface within which vegetation such as ivy can grow; the scrim becomes a living wall, that provides shading and also works symbiotically with the scrim itself The building form defines intimate and connected courtyard spaces that are appropriate for winter gathering and socializing, while connective to the skating oval and other winter sports activities. It is a transition zone from park to skating, from urban to nature.
SOLUTION
Challenge to develop a design concept that creates an integrated relationship between nature as a landscape, a climate, a mood, and architecture. Developing a building that is an intimate scale both in terms of height, and in terms of intimate winter outdoor spaces.
RATIONALE
a) Sustainability Principles: The majority of the project uses durable materials and construction techniques that offer life cycle costing value, natural light and ventilation, low flush toilets, light sensors, and cross ventilation. The building will incorporate a green roof to minimize heat gains/losses and reduce stormwater runoff. Additionally, the metal screen acts as a brise soleil that will mitigate solar gain against the elevations during the summer, while the orientation of the building ensures that no glass surfaces will be exposed to direct southern sunlight. As 53% of the building surface is CMU, there are many options that can be used that have been made out of recycled material. Ipe, which is used as both decking and wall cladding, is a fast growing hardwood that is Leed approved and extremely durable to wear. Outside of the building extents, all surfaces are to be Ipe wood decking on compacted gravel, allowing for rainwater to percolate through the deck and into the ground below.
b) Public Art: The location of the public art piece is both central to the plan, while also acting as an edge to the concessions area. 1% has been allocated for an artist to create an environmental art piece
c) Edmonton Design Committee Principles. The compact form preserves the natural green space, while providing a spectrum of exterior social spaces of varying scales, and the creation of public, semi-public, and private spaces within plan and section. The building plan is modulated in order to fully integrate landscaping throughout the project. Internally, a safe environment results due to delineation of program, with key night lighting as a strategy that has both experiential and safety value. In terms of construction, the project uses durable materials such as masonry and Ipe wood that are both rot and fire resistant, and patinas without need for protective coatings, both clear anodized aluminum windows and glass block have long life and will continue to be relevant for the duration of the building.
TECHNICAL
Durable materials, inside and out, including Ipe wood decking and cladding (minimized to public surfaces only), aluminum clad windows, glass block, and galvanized metal scrim, are part of the material palette. With regard to exterior finishes, the project is 53% unfinished CMU and 47% wood siding (excluding window and door openings). In terms of building systems, the construction methodology also includes a normative and affordable membrane roof with a green roof to minimize HVAC loads while also mediating any water collection, open web steel joists, and metal decking. The project is a slab on grade building, so there will be no issues with regard to universal accessibility
(From competitor's text)
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