Orientation and Siting:
The building is oriented on the site with its long axis running east-west. This orientation accomplishes a number of critical items:
- From an urban design perspective, the proposed building orientation sets up a well defined edge for the site, and for the park. It creates a domain for the building and anchors the orientation and way-finding for the site. It also bridges the two disparate existing parking lot access points to the site by re-routing the circulation along the front edge of the proposed building. One's arrival to the site and one's use of the site are unified by this urban design gesture. The siting and orientation provide a localized anchor for the site. Whether moving between the four existing diamonds on the site between games, or arriving to the site prior to a game beginning, the orientation and siting provide a key way finding mechanism and a recognizable and defined point of gathering and departure.
- From a landscape perspective, the building searches out the optimum location on the site and embeds itself within the existing and established trees and vegetation that are already available (refer to site plan and floor plan). By situating the building in this way, the proposed design only requires minor additional vegetation to create well defined and experientially rich edges on four edges of the site. One key result of the building and landscaping working synergistically in this siting configuration is a south facing public courtyard. With the appropriate edge definition, this space is now an ideal spot for team meetings and gatherings prior to and after games, warm up space for athletes, or picnic space between games during tournaments.
- The design also proposes two warm up mounds as part of the landscape plan. The warm up mounds are designed with a back stop {refer to back stop diagram) so they can perform as warm up spaces for pitchers and bat catchers prior to games. The back stops also have an illuminated canopy to provide additional lighting to the site as dusk approaches. When not in use, the back stops define the south-east and south-west corners of the site, creating a simple yet effective landmark and transitional space as people move from the existing entry drop off point or the bleachers of the main diamond, into the south facing public space and into the proposed building. Approaching the building from the north diamonds the back stops set up a visual connection with the public space and building. The back stops have a material and colour palette that complement the proposed building design: Orange chain link mesh is mounted to a galvanized steel frame, and an orange coloured lexan canopy acts as a reflector for the lighting. The colour of the landscape and building elements provides a few moments of necessary intensity on the site: The orange contrasts with the green vegetation of the site in the summer and winter months, and works harmoniously with the colours of autumn.
- To enhance the experience of traversing the site, the north pathway which runs along the power line right-of-way has been relocated. This pathway has been re-routed to run along the front of the building. The proposed outdoor decking in front of the building strives to suture
- To create this edge condition for the site, the design proposes an infrastructural service bar (refer to floor plan). This includes the private spaces of the building such as the building service spaces (mechanical & electrical), the change and shower rooms, and the public washrooms (the public washrooms can be opened independently of the entire building if required). By locating these spaces at the north edge, and running east-west, an edge is created for the site. The building also acts as a screen to the less desirable views to the north.
- All of the public spaces of the building open onto the public courtyard, creating a porous and inviting public edge to the building. The occupants move through the public zone of the building to get to the private service bar previously described (refer to floor plan).
- Creating this building porosity is a series of "lanterns" that sit along the public porch of the building (refer to renderings). The lanterns are backlit and made of a durable, coloured exterior grade plastic (Lexan) so they will be luminescent. Whether in the daytime or when dusk is approaching, the lanterns provide a focal point, orientation and a sense of identity for the building and the site. As part of the wayfinding for the site, large scale numerical graphics are applied to the lanterns. The graphics (numbers and a plus sign) structure the orientation of the 8 change room areas and the first aid station. The graphics promote a sense of fun and playfulness with the building, yet fulfill a pragmatic function for parents and coaches trying to collect and organize their teams prior to games.
- The roof line of the building is angled toward the south (refer to renderings and elevation). This is done to admit daylight, to create an open and inviting public passage into the building, to create signage for the park and building, to provide a sense of scale to the building that is sympathetic with the surrounding context, and to create a strong dialogue with the public space proposed for the design.
- The overall aesthetic of the architecture and landscape design is one that is robust and identifiable yet playful and approachable for users of all ages. We think this addresses the unique use, program, scale, and the overall context of the John Fry Sports Park. We also think the design is appropriate for a park focused on baseball as the program.
(From competitor's text)
This park is particularly challenging given its industrial setting and the dominant presence of high voltage power transmission lines. The park needs a robust response to the challenges associated with its industrial context, as well as the relative site isolation and consequent security concerns. The jury felt that this scheme offers a strong response to its setting, while at the same time offering a clear and achievable response to the program. The building, which has a modular quality, can be constructed incrementally if necessary. The jury liked the clear graphic quality of the presentation which, when finally implemented, will make the different user portions readily identifiable. The jury thought that this scheme was particularly honest and well-organized. Some planning refinements will be required to improve the relationship of the building to the sports fields to the north of the building.
(From jury report)
18 scanned / 11 viewable
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Perspective
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- Plan
- Plan
- Elevation
- Schema
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