DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
The proposal solves four primary design issues:
Phasing
The project requires construction in two separate phases.
Building program
In equal but different manners, the building will support the art, sport, and recreation of Edmonton's multi-cultural population at Victoria Park.
Sustainable design
Located in one of Edmonton's oldest parks, the building is a beacon for sustainable development.
Budget
The building demonstrates that it can be constructed within the limits of the established budget.
SOLUTION RATIONAL
Phasing
The repetitive modular structural elements and uniform cladding system allows for future expansion. The schematic layout has been developed to allow for a simple future expansion while the Class C cost estimate assumes the superstructure for Phase Two will be built at the same time as Phase One. Building the four structural bays need for Phase Two programming during Phase One of the project will be considerably less expensive than if this work were completed at a later date. Phase Two will see the construction of the programmatic elements required for the Edmonton Speedskating Association, including interior fit-ups, and the exterior walls on the west and south facades only.
Building program
The building layout responds to the reality that a number of different interest groups will use the building simultaneously. By establishing three primary functional spaces (LUNGS), separated by three support spaces (RIBS), the building can operate year round, with many interest groups fully able to function side by side. The canopy that extends toward the ice creates a perfect "HALL OF FAME" for the Percent for Art component of this project. This space plays an important role in how the building weaves into the landscape. The canopy connects skaters, skiers, cyclists, walkers, and runners to the primary lung of the building which contains the canteen, washrooms, and skate changing area. The wedge created between the building and canopy will create a woodland ideal for ski, running, and cycling trailheads, and a sculpture garden.
Sustainability
LEED Silver will be achieved. The parking lots will use a permeable paving stone. The building section encourages natural ventilation. The building outer shell is highly insulated, with careful consideration of fenestration size and location that balances solar gain with potential heat loss. The Class C budget includes high efficiency mechanical systems, radiant floor heat, and ground source heat pumps for both heating and cooling. Low consumption plumbing and fixtures will limit the unnecessary waste of water.
Budget
A Class C budget estimate has been established using QS method for the proposed design solution. This estimate is adjusted for Edmonton construction costs and the design has been modified to ensure that the budget is respected. The palette of materials is simple, readily available, modular and very repetitive. The primary structural elements is similar to the fabrication technique of "pre-engineered" buildings common throughout rural Alberta. By careful modulation, the rich but simple tapestry of materials becomes affordable.
DESIGN SOLUTION
The building is conceived primarily as a shell that meanders amidst the dappled light of the tall pines. The structure bends and undulates amongst these old 'citizens' allowing for visitors to enjoy their scents and whispers. This symbolic gesture represents an attempt to use the building as a bridge between memories of the past and the countless opportunities and hope nested in the future of Edmonton's vibrant population.
The building bridges the realms between the cultures of sport, art and recreation. The building demonstrates the principles of sustainability, encourages participation in sports ranging from ultimate Frisbee to speed skating, and provides a galleria for the display of public art. The building will weave itself into the fabric of Edmonton's cultural landscape.
The existing speed skating oval generates the roots of the narrative for the building form and architectural syntax. Canadian speed skaters have made all Canadians proud with their feats of speed and power, establishing world records and winning Olympic medals along the way. The iconic image of the speed skater in full stride, muscles rippling, face grimacing with concentration and pain have inspired the architectural gesture of pulling the cladding over the supple arches. The sharp roof edges, and interplay of forms culminate in a gap between the two canopies that is adjacent to the finish line of the skating oval. The tension created at this gap symbolically represents the tension of the athletes reaching for the finish.
The building's primary axis is east-west allowing for maximum solar gain. While no wind studies were available, it is assumed that cold winter winds will likely follow the course of the valley, or fall off the valley wall north of the site. The east west orientation mitigates building surface exposed to the wind. The north face of the building is low limiting exposure to the winds falling from the valley wall.
An efficient layout of space comprised of three primary "lungs" support three separate programmatic elements- a community lecture space, a change area for Nordic skiing and speed skating, and the Edmonton Speed Skating Club training facilities. The lecture hall, skate change area, and exercise room all have natural lighting on both north and south facing sides. The glazing to the north is significantly reduced relative to the quantity of glazing facing south. The lecture hall has views in three directions and is set immediately into the tall pines to create an oasis within the centre of Edmonton that could be used for many activities from music recitals to yoga workshops.
Between the building "lungs" are the functional cores of the building: the kitchen, washrooms, storage rooms, mechanical & electrical room, ski wax room, and Zamboni storage. The plan also indicates a potential location for showers if required by the speed skaters. This arrangement of spaces allows appropriate control for programmed spaces to ensure that more than one interest group can use the spaces when required.
The long canopy extends from the building to the ice surface. This spine serves as the primary gallery for public art. The wedge of forest nestled between the building and the canopy will serve as the trailhead for the running, walking and Nordic ski trails. This wooded area would also serve a sculpture garden. The view from the building 'lungs' through the slender tree trunk and structural elements toward the skaters, and skiers epitomizes the complete harmony of between building, human activity, landscape, and art.
(From competitor's text)
17 scanned / 16 viewable
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Site Plan
- Plan
- Section
- Elevation
- Elevation
- Axonometric Drawing
- Table
