The Hub, Sudbury, Canada
The city of Sudbury is the largest city in Norther Ontario and the leading city for healthcare research and education, economic growth with an urban core highlighting creativity and energy.
Sudbury is known to have the title "Nickel Capital of the world" thus becoming a city with home to many different cultures dating back to 1900s. The city has a natural system that supports many habitats, ecosystems and wildlife. Sudbury has 16.5% of its area covered with freshwater. However due to climate change experience throughout the world, the city has faced tremendous land pollution issues affecting its economic growth.
The city administrative officials have taken initiatives such as Community Energy and Emissions Plan to be reliant on renewable energy for zero carbon emissions by 2050. Regenerative design is the main design concept to be established for further development throughout the city.
Following through these initial ideas, we have decided to develop an urban axis cutting through the core of the city with major economic growth through the architecture of spaces. The design methodology of subtraction and addition within the urban landscape, green interfaces between educational, commercial and lifestyle forms a harmonious line of connectivity between various parts of the city. A place which provides emotional, social and practical support to commuters will tend to arise affinity among the residents of the town.
The pod forms a connection to the downtown area, educational institutions and the lake of Sudbury. With sweeping profiles of the canopies providing relief from harsh weather conditions, with gentle sloping steps of the structure that forms into the amphitheater and the museum showcasing the history of the city, the pod line will not only serve as an amenity for transport but also a destination for the wider public. The various co-working spaces with cafes serving local delicacies and stores to spend a lively evening shopping will prove beneficial to reduce traffic and parking spaces to travel to specific destination of use.
Reading through blogs of the city and identifying issues faced by the residents, the design provides solutions for destined parking spaces and recreation parks and activity within reach of citizens. As the future progresses, city planning will be based on clustering which demands necessities within reach of 500mile radius.
Determining a relationship with the lake and the islands, the urban design on the nearby hill considered a three- viewed focal point to break the barrier between the visual of the space. Protecting the greenery of the space, the design inculcates it within the planning of the space. The land adjacent to the greenfield provides opportunities for farmers to sell their fresh fruits and vegetables. Developing a recreational space within reach of the community helps in enhancing livelihood. The space has been designed to include a skating park, rock climbing walls, food hub and a shopping center. It is an ideal place for a weekend with family enjoying the beauty of nature at its best.
The overall design has been designed with UN Sustainability goals
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (through implementation of stormwater management system)
Goal 7: Affordable and Clean energy (Harnessing hydroelectricity for tram movement, kinetic energy generation through smart fixtures - tiles)
Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth (Economic growth prospects- farmers market, malls, recreation zones, museum, art center)
Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure (Connecting parts of the city with innovative technologies and diverse uses to uplift the economic status of the city)
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Understanding life cycle assessment and costing of various amenities to ensure recyclability and reuse to the maximum)
Goal 13: Climate Action (Conserving & protecting natural reserves, carbonsponge, net-zero water and energy initiatives)
Goal 15: Life on Land (Plant trees for carbon sequestering and protect biodiversity)
The design is based on adaptive reuse and regeneration of spaces. The major pod line lies on the rail lands which is powered using hydroelectricity. The production of hydrogen required can be produced using renewable energy sources such as electricity from solar photovoltaics and electrolysis of water. The treatment of wastewater across Canada has been insufficient and non - existent. Many coastal regions face some of the greatest challenges in terms of no treatment at all. In some cases, storm water causes the sewer system to overflow, allowing raw seepage to spill directly into lakes and oceans.
Residential consumers in Canada use about 343 liters of water per day and there are leakages up to 30% in the supply system. Hence employing a wastewater management system and storing non-potable fresh water are some of the ways that Sudbury can reduce its dependency on treated potable water resources for non-potable uses
Due to increase influx of stormwater into wastewater treatment plants, there has been issues of overflow and drainage, Hence managing stormwater flow through roof design has been our initiative. Apart from storing stormwater for future use, the design allows for natural rock filtration thus purifying water to some extent
A report from TD economics qualified tree benefits at more than $81 million -with 66% of this value coming from trees' role in managing stormwater.
Trees are increasingly recognized for their importance in managing runoff. Their leaf canopies help reduce erosion caused by falling rain. They also provide surface area where rainwater lands and evaporates. Roots take up water and help create conditions in the soil that promote infiltration.
By investing in trees as stormwater infrastructure, cities also reap all the other benefits that come with a healthy urban forest - increased shade, carbon sequestration, lower energy use, more attractive neighborhoods, and healthier people
The architectural feature of the pod station allows for collection and storage of stormwater which can be treated further to be used for irrigation facilities and non-potable uses. Providing a space to grow fruits and vegetables in the city helps in reducing costs of transportation and improves the health of citizens.
The city has inaccessible green areas which are neither in the community nor are they inviting to residents. The pod design allows for a two storied structure which green parks and outdoor gyms serving as a green trail through the city. The materials chosen for the design enhances the history of the city as well as serves as thermal comfort for its users. Zinc is highly resistant to corrosion and it has a unique characteristic to heal itself overtime from scratches. Apart from being 100% recyclable, it has the ability to allow smooth fall of snow for stormwater collection. In order to enhance daylighting within interiors during the winter months, translucent glass fabric has been the material of choice as it allows winter sun to light the indoors while preventing unnecessary glare.
All these aspects helped to reduce negative emotions about the transformation of city into a concrete jungle but helped making the project more sustainable, resilient, and economically viable.
(Competitor's text)
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