Our proposal for the River Valley Pavilion in Victoria Park sits nestled in the trees and provides amenities to all users of Victoria Park. It is a celebration of winter in Edmonton and provides visitors a unique experience in the River Valley.
2 DESIGN PROBLEMS THAT HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED and
3 RATIONALE FOR THE RESOLUTION OF THE DESIGN PROBLEMS
2a Problem
The current buildings on the site are at the end of their life cycle. Consolidating all the facilities on site is requested in the brief. Providing additional program component such as a concession space and additional space for the Edmonton Speed Skating Association is desired to meet current and future demands.
3a Rationale
The pavilion will address user needs throughout the year, offering a central amenity building to support the general public, the City of Edmonton Programs and the Edmonton Speed Skating Association (ESSA). The location of the pavilion on the site will provide visibility from River Valley Road and from the existing parking lot.
The current washroom facility is at the end of its life cycle, thus the provision of a new facility is paramount. An exterior and interior entrance is provided to the washrooms in the new pavilion so that they may be accessible at times that the pavilion is closed to the public.
2b Problem
Enhance the user experience and improve the quality of space
3b Rationale
The current facility does not take advantage of the site. Situated within the river valley, it is an enviable place to be. Through providing a gateway to the path, incorporating the art program, indoor and outdoor seating and viewing areas, as well as a concession, this experience can be greatly improved. Users will also enjoy the pavilion in the summer if it is successfully programmed.
2c Problem
Improved barrier free access
3c Rationale
Barrier free access is provided by gentle ramps up to the main level of the pavilion. There is a material change between the bottom level and ice surface providing easy access to the ice or to enjoy the fire pit. Alternatively, barrier free access would also be provided by the at grade entrance at the north side or the west side of the building. Each washroom will be designed to barrier free standards, including turning radius and grab bar requirements.
2d Problem
Reduce impact on the environment
3d Rationale
Provide a durable, long-lasting asset for the City or Edmonton. The design will be holistic and go beyond the requirements of LEED Checklist.
4 DESCRIPTION OF THE DESIGN SOLUTION
The River Valley Pavilion in Victoria Park is nestled within the trees with an expansive view of the activities beyond. The short walk from the parking lot provides a transition from city to nature. The tree line opens up as the path turns the corner to expose views of the ice surface and views across the river to the University of Alberta and the High Level Bridge beyond. The pavilion is a celebration of winter in Edmonton and provides a place to play and connect with nature, family and friends.
Connection to Nature
The orientation of the pavilion with the indoor skate changing area at the south west corner allows direct views to the ice surface. The slender columns that support the overhang animate the framed view providing an unique encounter 'among the trees'. The shadow play and flickering of the sunlight further enhances the experience. The exterior skin of the pavilion is modulated with lines that echo the movement of the nearby North Saskatchewan River. Both architectural responses allow the building to sit comfortably on the site.
The Pavilion on the Site
The location of the pavilion was chosen to sit naturally within an existing opening between the mature trees that line the skate oval. It closes the loop on the trees that encircle the skating surface. The pavilion also provides protection from the northwest prevailing winds. The existing pathway directs users around the skating oval and aligns them with the lower viewing platforms. The platforms terrace gently up to the primary entry of the pavilion. There are also secondary entrances on the north and the west sides of the pavilion.
Minimal parking for staff and/or deliveries is maintained with 'back door' access into the building. This rear entrance would also provide cross country skiers, users snow shoeing, cyclist or hikers easy access to the washrooms and concession. The ski trail loops could be located closer to the building to facilitate this use.
The intent is that no existing trees will be removed by the siting of the pavilion.
Program
The main public room (Indoor Skate Change Area) has views which open up to the south through the trees to the activity and the valley beyond. The concession is expressed as an object within the open space. The
Multipurpose Room and Training Room have filtered views to the south through the existing line of trees. The Multipurpose Room has a large sliding door that can be pulled back to expand into the skate change area to allow functions to expand out and engage the rest of the building if needed or desired. Summer rental space could be provided for alternative programs or private bookings. The Training Room (ESSA) is more private at the end of the pavilion with equally stunning views of the trees and the ice.
Support spaces are positioned on the north side of the building. The washroom facilities are located in a central position that is easily accessible from the skate change area as well as from the exterior on the north side of the pavilion. This exterior connection is useful in the seasons when the building is unoccupied to provide users of the park this amenity and would be locked off from the rest of the building. Clerestory windows located 2400mm above the floor provide natural daylighting while ensuring privacy for the support spaces.
Phasing
The construction phasing of the pavilion has been considered by providing a clear delineation between Phase 1 and Phase 2. This delineation allows for a partial build-out of the pavilion (ie: Phase 1) where the design concept is not compromised should the second phase remain unbuilt. In Phase 2, the Ice Resurfacing Equipment (Zamboni) Room and Workshop/Storage are located out of public view. Access from Ice Resurfacing Equipment Room to the ice surface will maintain the existing path.
SUSTAINABILITY
The City of Edmonton's EcoVision promotes engaging the community in nature and providing a healthy urban environment. On this project, properly managing waste by utilizing recycled materials protects our land. We are protecting our air quality by promoting active travel on bike or by foot by providing a destination in the park as well as by leaving existing trees alone and adding more. Minimizing water use and keeping natural waters safe protects the North Saskatchewan River and our water supply. Reducing C02 emissions helps to prevent the negative impacts of changes to our climate.
Designing to LEED Silver standards benefits the environment by reducing negative impacts associated with construction and operation of the building, provides economic benefits by decreasing operational costs, and increases the health and safety of building occupants by including non-toxic and healthy materials. The River Valley Pavilion in Victoria Park will include, but is not limited, to the following environmentally sustainability features:
- Recycled content will be maximized in structural steel (up to 90% recycled content) and reinforcing steel (up to 99% recycled content). Interior finishes include reclaimed wood and recycled rubber skate flooring.
- Geoethermal energy is green, clean and reliable. A geothermal system is proposed to transfer heating and cooling from the earth to the building. Exploring the feasibility of using geothermal for generation of electricity should also be considered. Unlike solar power generation, geothermal can operate at or near full capacity day and night providing a consistent supply free from carbon emissions.
- Use of natural and low-emitting healthy material for building finishes.
- Natural ventilation is induced through operable windows within curtainwalls and on adjacent walls.
- Abundant natural daylight creates a healthier environment for facility occupants and reduces the electricity load. Interior lighting will be controlled via daylight sensors.
- Water conservation is achieved using low flow toilets, sensors for faucets and flushing. Native landscaping and green roof planting minimizes the need for supplemental watering.
- The green roof will also reduce the heat-island effect and manage stormwater.
- Solar loads are controlled through efficient shading and glazing. The building has optimal orientation and a deep overhang on the south to capture low winter sun for warming and to shade the occupants from the high summer sun.
- Dark sky compliant exterior lighting will be chosen to minimize upward light glare.
The flexibility and durability of this design goes beyond environmental sustainability and addresses social and economic sustainability as well. We are investing in meeting the needs of the City today which will serve Edmontonians well into the future.
ART PROGRAM
The design provides for a number of opportunities to incorporate the City of Edmonton 1 % for Art Policy both integrated building opportunities and non-integrated locations. Through a variety of mediums, the art can reinforce the history of the site, acknowledge champions of sport and the park setting.
Art that is integrated or non integrated into the pavilion can be easily accommodated. We would like the project to expand the typical definition of art as painting and sculpture to include the industrial design of elements such as pavilion benches or interior feature walls. There are opportunities for non-integrated art to be visual, tactile, auditory and written to enhance the park and pavilion experience. Art could be used to signal arrival and gateway to the park and pavilion as well as playing a part in an interpretive experience that leads you through and along pathway to the destination. The pavilion could host exhibits of large format sculpture by local artists on its viewing platforms. There should also be opportunities for non-permanent art in a variety of mediums such as ice sculptures and other temporary installations.
EDMONTON DESIGN COMMITTEE
Similar to the Edmonton Design Committee (EDC) our Design Team recognizes that great urban design and architecture requires the input of others to inform and enhance the project. The EDC will review this project for its response to urbanism, design excellence, and scale, connections + context.
Urbanism
Park spaces are a critical element to 'urbanism' in Edmonton and the context of 'urbanism'. The Pavilion is sited to reduce the impact on the existing urban forest and take advantage of a southeast aspect with views to the skating oval, outdoor activities along River Valley Road, the River, the High Level Bridge and the University of Alberta. The proportions of the Pavilion are to a human scale so that it is not imposing on the site and sits quietly in its park setting. The Pavilion incorporates principles of transparency and employs Crime Prevention through Environmental Design to ensure that space is safe and park users feel safe.
Design Excellence
As described in the Design Solution the project is nestled among the trees. Its architectural form and materials are sensitive to the park setting. As a park pavilion it is imperative that the project incorporate and demonstrate sustainable initiatives. The use of natural day lighting, roof overhangs, durable building materials and a green roof are several examples of sustainable design initiatives. The south elevation along with the terraced seating areas takes advantage of Edmonton's strong sunlight and provides a sheltered area from the cold northwest winds where Edmontonians can enjoy the sun and the outdoors on a winter's day. The shade of the trees in the summer will ensure the pavilions use in all four seasons.
Scale, Connections + Context
The proportions of the Pavilion are kept at a scale so as not to overwhelm the adjacent urban forest, skating oval and park setting. The siting of the pavilion takes into account Edmonton's climate by turning its back on the northwest wind and placing services and employee parking behind out of site. The building placement takes advantage of the existing path system minimizing its impact on the existing park. Rather than imposing itself on the Victoria Park the pavilion defers to the park and the skating oval.
As discussed with regard to the 'urbanism' the pavilions context is the park and the larger river valley. The North Saskatchewan River has etched itself into the landscape to form the most defining geographic form in
Edmonton. With Edmonton's extensive river valley and ravine path system the pavilion's immediate precinct is Victoria Park but its overall precinct is the river valley and the City of Edmonton. While the pavilion will be used in the winter as a skate pavilion for the skating oval it will become a destination for cross country skiers during the winter and walkers, runners, and cyclists (etc.) during the snow free months. It becomes a landmark and destination along with other river valley parks and pavilions.
5 SUMMARY OF THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE DESIGN SOLUTION
Our design solution proposes that the River Valley Pavilion is constructed with the following:
- A high performance building envelope with R-30 exterior walls and an R-40 roof assembly. An extensive green roof will cover the pavilion, with an approximate growing medium of 150mm thickness.
- The wood roof deck is supported by a steel structure and is left exposed. Ducting, plumbing and conduit will be designed to be fully integrated with the exposed ceiling.
- Low-e, high performance glazing will be utilized for the curtain wall and clerestorey windows.
- Skate floor will be used throughout the public areas (including washrooms) accessible by skaters.
- In-slab radiant heat supplemented by forced air is proposed for the mechanical system. In the summer, cooling will be achieved by passive methods (ie: shading and natural ventilation).
? A geothermal system for heating and cooling, with the geothermal wells located below the open field occupied by the skate oval. Estimates indicate that the potential for geothermal energy in Canada is over 5000 MW using technology that is currently available.
- The design solution is based on the provided program document. The proposed spaces satisfy the program area requirements.
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