DESIGN PROBLEMS THAT HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED
Hidden behind snowbanks and trees, setback from parking lot and Victoria drive, sprawling outdoor amenities, structures, and space, safety within the park is an expressed concern, lack of walkable paths from Victoria drive (main path is a service road), how to attract users beyond organized sports teams, how to phase the development, how to maintain and operate a remote structure?
RATIONALE FOR THE RESOLUTION OF THE DESIGN PROBLEMS
Creation of an easily identifiable destination in a hidden yet urban setting, increasing circulation with identifiable current and future network of park pathways, create an open transparent structure that provides enclosure and safety from the elements, providing growth, change and diversity in site users by creation of usable, beautiful structure and embracing local art, encouraging year round destination point promoting healthy active lifestyles and a connection with the outdoors in Edmonton's beautiful river valley
DESCRIPTION OF THE DESIGN SOLUTION
Nestled in the heart of Edmonton's River Valley the Victoria Park Pavilion creates a year round amenity building that supports the active lifestyle of Edmontonians. The modern take on prairie style architecture blends in with the surrounding local boreal landscape. The filtered facade of glass and spandrel panels allow the soft northern light and the thermal intense southern light to penetrate the building while silhouetting and reflecting the tranquil surroundings. A large butterflied roof spans the structure arching skyward bridging the southwest and opposing elevations pierced by a lightwell in the common area. This dramatic arching reflects the rivervalley's bridging of the south and north sides of the river.
Promenade and public art
A promenade running alongside the west portion of the skating oval will increase the circulation, connectivity, and awareness of the site. New and existing amenities such as outdoor lighting, water fountains, benches, tables, and BBQ pits will gradually increase walking towards the pavilion. On-site dry and secure bicycle storage as well as universally designed pathways increase connectivity to the city, promote active lifestyles, and provide alternatives for car-free site access. Public art locations are a integral portion of the landscaping as a designated 'Art walk' will be featured in the southwestern courtyard of the pavilion. This will diversify the user group of the site and facilitate community engagement as well as provide a gathering point for outdoor events like weddings, birthday parties, sports meetings, etc .. A winter playground will also be created with 'hay bail structures' designed by local groups. This will allow for integrated art into the landscape and promote free outdoor activities offered by the city, creating a sense of ownership and territorialism, and volunteering opportunities.
Exterior spaces, circulation
The Victoria Park Oval is 400 meters long and is "one of the most scenic outdoor speed skating tracks in Canada well protected from inclement weather by its location in the River Valley and the surrounding trees" as described by the site's partnering group the Edmonton Speed Skating Association. As such it is an integral feature of the pavilion and dictated the circulation and main entrances. The southeast entrance faces the promenade and public pathway to the rink. The pathway will be partially flooded to lend the feeling of a skate-up pavilion and seamless transition of the indoor and outdoor spaces. One main access to the ice rink facilitates access while preserving the built-up snowbanks which act as natural protection from the elements. The northwest entrance is the second main entrance of the pavilion, serviced by the main access road and foot paths from the southeast entrance. This entrance is equally stressed in the building as it will encourage northern access in the summer months. Side entrances for parks maintenance and club access create a hierarchy of space and delineation of public and private space as per CPTED principles.
Interior spaces
The first phase of construction will include the roof structure and core CofE funded space. The remaining portion of the program branches to the north facilitating secondary phasing. The core space is accessed from the two main entrances and is naturally lit by the piercing of the roof structure. The concession, washrooms, skate shop and vending machines are easily accessed from the main circulation space. A large meeting room and office space branches to the southwest of the main space taking advantage of southern lighting and views of the promenade and rink. The remaining storage and maintenance needs branch to the northeast of the common space.
SUSTAINABLE FEATURES
We have partnered with energy efficiency consultants who offer a holistic approach to sustainability with the following concepts;
LEED® certification
LEED® silver certification ensures that the building complies with sustainable building standards. With our team's high level of experience with LEED®, we can assure the City that costs to implement LEED® will be kept low. The largest increase in cost with any typical LEED® project is a lack of experience and knowledge of the system. Over several years our team has refined processes and documentation procedures to reduce costs and increase probability of certification approval. We know from experience that the water efficiency credits are typically not difficult to achieve and do not require any extreme water saving fixtures such as waterless urinals. A combination of low flow fixtures will meet the requirements while also remaining within both the capital budget and ongoing maintenance budgets.
We are aware which LEED® initiatives carry a heavier price tag than others and which are low hanging fruit. We will incorporate sustainable initiatives because they work well with the site, the community, the design and design philosophy, not solely because of the rating system. The City of Edmonton can rest assured that this landmark building will meet the goal of LEED® Silver certification, while remaining on budget.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
Accessibility
A 'free from barriers' design approach will focus on design that meet the 'Universal Access' standards without the obvious indications of exclusion.
Building Envelope
Insulated concrete slab on grade with perimeter concrete grade beam and piles. We will explore the idea to use a hydronic slab to heat the majority of the pavilion. Exterior walls will be a pressure equalized rain screen with exterior rigid insulation, air barrier, metal stud infill. The roof will be comprised of a high reflectance, modified bituminous roofing system, to provide the best drainage available. Windows will be designed and selected to provide the best solar heat gains, least heat loss through frames, spacers, gas and air leakage.
Material Finishes
Will be selected based on criteria of local, durable, aesthetic and sustainable. We will work with the City, local manufacturers and suppliers to determine the most suitable materials.
Structural
Heavy timber framed structural members will be used where possible. Local 'reclaim/reuse' opportunities will be accessed with suppliers.
Mechanical
HVAC systems will be holistically designed with the building to meet proper ventilation and acceptable temperature standards. The system will move towards a passive approach allowing a more natural environment to develop.
Electrical
Lighting systems will be efficient and designed to supplement the buildings use of strategic daylight capture. Daylight and occupant sensors will also be implode to minimize the use of supplemental lighting.
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