HAVEN: Capstone Booklet

INTD 8500 - CAPSTONE PROJECT

CAPSTONE BOOKLET

IMMIGRANTS’ AND REFUGEES

SUPPORT CENTER

BY CADENCE FOK

The project aims to address challenges faced by growing immigrant and refugee populations The design of this multicultural support center enables essential support services and programs, including health and education services, to help overcome the obstacles they encounter during their relocation journey. It also offers communal spaces to encourage social integration between the locals and newcomers

Examination of the problem in Vancouver

In Vancouvers multicultural society, the immigrant and refugee population has been steadily growing comprising diverse age groups and ethnic backgrounds. During their relocation journey, these individuals encounter a range of complex challenges while seeking new opportunities and support. According to Verhage's report conducted through Canadian Legal Problems Survey, some immigrants face discrimination, resulting in job and housing rejections Simultaneously, newcomers grapple with navigating Vancouver’s legal system, adapting to a new language, and rebuilding their lives. All these challenges, including unemployment, mental health, language barriers, and discrimination add up and leave them overwhelmed and disempowered

According to CBC News, inadequate housing has emerged as a pressing issue in Metro Vancouver, posing challenges for immigrants due to the regions high housing costs (Proctor, 2022). Despite the issues of insufficient housing in Vancouver are acknowledged, this project's focus is not on providing temporary shelter but rather on establishing an inclusive space with basic support services to facilitate the integration journey of immigrants. Due to the limited scope of work, not all the services can be provided to address the challenges immigrants and refugees are facing

While organizations such as MOSAIC, ISS of BC, and Vancouver Immigration Partnership (VIP) provide valuable support and services to the immigrant and refugee community, individuals may still grapple with self-doubt, insecurity, shame, and a lack of resilience, which can deter them from taking proactive steps Thus, the creation of a community-based, inclusive environment becomes imperative to break down these barriers, offer accessible information, and ensure equitable treatment, ultimately empowering immigrants on their journey

TARGET DEMOGRAPHIC

In recent years (2016-2021), Asia, including the Middle East, has consistently contributed the largest share of immigrants to Canada, reaching an all-time high of 62% India emerged as the top country of origin, accounting for 18.6% of newcomers, followed by the Philippines at 11.4% and China at 8.9%. In contrast, immigration from Europe has been declining for five decades, with only 101% of recent immigrants coming from Europe in 2021 Nevertheless, Europe remained the second-largest source of immigrants during the period from 2016 to 2021 (Government of Canada, 2022).

FROM 2016 TO 2021

RECENT IMMIGRANTS BY NON-OFFICAL LANGUAGE SPOKEN MOST OFTEN AT HOME IN 2021

In the five years leading up to the 2016 Census, Canada had admitted nearly 27,000 Syrian refugees From 2016 to 2021, an additional 60,795 Syrian-born refugees arrived in Canada, constituting 27.8% of all new refugees in the country during that period. Other common countries of origin for new refugees in this timeframe included Iraq, Eritrea, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (in descending order) (Government of Canada, 2022)

Additionally around 85,000 refugees in Canada, both government-sponsored and privately-sponsored, were granted protected status and became permanent residents after seeking asylum for themselves or their family members (Government of Canada, 2022).

Among all the provinces and cities in Canada, Vancouver has the second-highest percentage of immigrants comprising 418% of Vancouver’s population In the large urban centre of Vancouver like Richmond, immigrants constituted 60.3% of the population, while in Burnaby, they made up 50.4% of the population (Government of Canada, 2022).

The research on the immigrant population in Vancouver reveals that it is one of Canada's largest multicultural communities, comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. To ensure inclusivity, this project will encompass all ethnic groups among immigrants and refugees emphasizing a barrier-free approach. The research adopted a multifaceted perspective gathering insights from both recent immigrants and professionals working in relevant fields.

Recognizing that newcomers may not always feel comfortable sharing their experiences in English, primary research methods such as interviews will be conducted by advisors or qualified professionals. This approach aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current challenges faced by immigrant and refugee communities, as well as issues related to existing facilities

Fig 1 Pie chart of the distribution of the immigrant population from 2016 to 2021

Fig 2 Pie chart of the distribution of the immigrant population from 2016 to 2021

RESEARCH SUMMARY

RESEARCH TOPICS #1: EXPLORING THE NEWCOMER PERSPECTIVE

Identifying challenges such as mental health issues, unemployment, language barriers, faced by immigrants and refugees to address their programmatic needs

Surveys and Interviews - Conduct surveys with immigrants and refugees who have recently moved to Vancouver to gather information about their experiences, challenges, and needs

Examine Existing Research - Examine published studies, reports and scholarly literature on the experiences of immigrants and refugees in new urban environments to gain a broader understanding of common challenges and needs.

Discrimination based on race or refugee status can significantly detrimentally affect the well-being of refugee youth

Insufficient proficiency in English can lead to fewer employment prospects and restrict newcomers' ability to fully integrate into society

Factors including the demand for Canadian work experience, limited recognition of their credentials or prior work experience etc. contribute to unemployment among newcomers

The absence of English proficiency, job opportunities, and social connections can contribute to social isolation, resulting from a loss of cultural and social support

Offer a flexible studio for collaborative activities such as language lessons art sessions, and support groups.

Provide counseling offices for general counseling, employment assistance, healthcare access, and housing support

Create communal areas and outdoor seating to encourage interaction among newcomers

Include places of worship for spiritual practices to address mental health issues

A computer lab offers newcomers easy access to resources in their job search and for other purposes.

Support systems play a crucial role by offering a community where individuals can share their experiences

Implement supportive approaches for language learning to enhance self-esteem and well-being.

Utilize art therapy and storytelling for emotional expression, highlighting strengths and resilience

Developing a holistic space addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs

Ives N Oda A, Bridekirk J Hynie M McGrath S, Mohammad, R, Awwad M, Sherrel , K Khalaf M, & Diaz, M (2022) Syrian refugees participation n anguage classes Motivators and barriers Refuge: Canada’s Journal on Refugees, 38(2), 1–19 https//doiorg/1025071/1920-733640799

Pandey M, Kamrul, R, Michaels C R & McCarron M (2021) Perceptions of mental hea th and util zation of mental health services among new immigrants in Canada A qual tative study Commun ty Mental Health Journal 58(2) 394–404 https//doiorg/101007/s10597-021-00836-3

RESEARCH SUMMARY

RESEARCH TOPICS #2: PROMOTING SOCIAL INTEGRATION

Examine approaches for promoting interactions among immigrants, refugees and local residents, with the goal of bridging gaps and fostering connections

Examine Existing Research - Examine published studies, reports and scholarly literature on the experiences of immigrants and refugees in new urban environments to gain a broader understanding of common challenges and needs.

Immigrants encounter difficulties in developing a sense of connection to their local geographic communities and forming new relationships with individuals from diverse ethnic and linguistic backgrounds

The process of integration may also be hindered by structural racial features.

Exposure to discrimination in local settings can impede social participation and diminish their sense of belonging.

Concerns about potential judgment can often deter sociability and hinder newcomers’ ability to fully engage within their new community

Creating a sense of familiarity and fostering friendships, while reducing feelings of marginality, can narrow the sociability gap among newcomers

Spaces that accommodate a wide range of activities can promote cohesion and foster informal interactions among neighbors

Enhancing the newcomers sense of belonging can be achieved by connecting them with co-national members or associations and facilitating meaningful engagement with their culture and experiences

Hosting diverse cultural festivals throughout the year can help newcomers feel more connected to their own culture

Providing outdoor gathering spaces or public areas for social interaction encourages people to interact with one another

Large social spaces like atriums and squares promote the recognition of acquaintances and facilitate spontaneous meetings

Design strategies focused on safety and wayfinding encourage exploration of the space

Offering meeting spaces with various atmospheres and purposes enriches the potential for social interactions in more intimate or relaxed settings, promoting different qualities of connection

Chai C-L, Orcutt S & Adje , J (2023) Impeded sociabil ty Racia consciousness and racialized imm grants’ sense of soc able and unsoc able places n sem -rural Alberta Canada Canadian Ethn c Studies, 55(2) 97–124 https//doiorg/101353/ces2023a902153

Cutieru A (2020 August 7) The arch tecture of Soc al Interaction ArchDaily https//wwwarchdailycom/945172/the-architecture-of-socia -interaction

RESEARCH SUMMARY

CASE STUDIES

To explore and analyze the methodologies utilized by real-life cases, specifically an immigrant welcome center and a community center, in order to devise a novel approach that seamlessly integrates elements of both. This study aims to extract insights that will inform the development of a project aimed at fostering social connections while delivering essential services through an innovative fusion of immigrant and community center principles.

Immigrants Welcome Center:

Offers various support spaces such as childcare and healthcare

Specifically targets newcomers to a region or country (accessibility to the space is limited for some individuals who are not immigrants / refugees)

Design and programming tailored to address the unique challenges and needs of immigrants, Lacking of communal and recreational spaces

Community center:

Observations - Perform on-site observations and user experience investigations within current communal spaces to comprehend how design influence cultural exploration and inclusiveness.

Learning from Successful Cases - Analyze case studies and scholarly articles detailing effective strategies for inclusive design in communal areas.

Program analysis - Analyze social integration programs and initiatives implemented in similar organizations to identify best practices and potential strategies for breaking down barriers.

Focuses on providing facilities and services that cater to the diverse needs and interests of the entire community.

Design elements, materials and communal spaces are flexible and cater to all users' needs, promoting community connections

Mixed-use approach blends holistic and atomistic design for flexibility and support.

Include spaces for activity-based learning, moving beyond traditional learning methods.

Emphasis on zoning, space allocation, and circulation to maximize functional efficiency

Introduce flexibility to enhance occupant experience across different functions.

Design spaces to promote interaction and connections by integrating communal and recreational areas.

Establish outdoor environments to encourage socialization and connections beyond the center

PROGRAM

(It is not up to date with the final layout, but it communicates the key idea.)

Might want to incorporate digital signage / screen Wayfinding (ie the use of universal design strategies / signage) to help visitors to navigate in the space

The reception area serves as the first point of contact for visitors and clients, creating a lasting first impression and facilitating smooth interactions within the building

Access

Television and audio systems to entertain users

The mix of moveable and fixed tables / chairs to accommodate various activities

Acoustic consideration to minimize noise level

Careful furniture selection to accommodate the needs of all (ie wheelchair users)

Acoustic consideration to minimize noise level

Careful equipment selection (ie incorporate child lock) to ensure children’s safety

Plumbing is required

The communal area fosters collaboration and social interaction among newcomers, promoting a sense of community and productivity within the community

The cafeteria offers a space for newcomers to relax, socialize, and recharge.

The shared kitchen promotes a sense of community and convenience for newcomers, encouraging them to prepare meals and interact in a costeffective environment.

Acoustic consideration to minimize noise level

Provide

The multipurpose room serves as a versatile space for various activities and functions. It offers a space for newcomers to hold group events or workshops

Multi-faith rooms provide inclusive spaces for people of various religious and spiritual backgrounds to practice their beliefs and reflect, fostering diversity and respecting individual faiths within a shared environment

A media hub is a space equipped with the necessary technology and tools for creating sharing and collaborating on various media content, streamlining multimedia tasks within an organized setting

A youth hub is a facility specifically designed to engage and support young people, offering a wide range of programs and resources that cater to their interests Child Minding

Access

Access

Safety practices (ie soft flooring material / rounded edge corners) to ensure a safe environment

Acoustic consideration

Provide more privacy Located it away from public / noisy areas

Child minding is a service that provides supervised care for young children, allowing parents and caregivers to attend to other responsibilities while ensuring the safety and well-being of the children

Classrooms or training rooms allow newcomers to receive instruction, education, and training to familiarize themselves with the relevant knowledge and skills

Security system (ie door lock for storage)

Creative studios offer specialized environments equipped with tools and resources that facilitate artistic and musical expression, encouraging individuals to explore their creativity and develop their talents

Public washrooms serve as essential and convenient spaces for individuals to attend to personal hygiene and restroom needs in public areas

Meeting rooms provide a dedicated area for individuals to convene, collaborate, and conduct discussions or presentations.

Counselling offices are private spaces where individuals who are new to a community or country can receive guidance, support and professional advice to help them navigate the challenges and adjustments associated with their new environment and circumstances.

Private offices are individual workspaces that offer a quiet area for employees to focus on administration tasks, conduct meetings and perform job-related activities in a more personalized and concentrated setting

offices are collaborative workspaces designed with shared work areas, fostering communication, teamwork, and flexibility among employees within an

A copy room is an area equipped with photocopying and printing equipment, as well as office supplies, where individuals can reproduce documents and materials for various administrative purposes

A

room is where cleaning supplies, tools, and equipment are stored and organized and accessed for the purpose of cleaning, maintenance, and facility upkeep

A storage room is used for the storage and organization of items, equipment, supplies or materials, contributing to efficient management and accessibility of stored items

A mechanical room is housed with essential mechanical and electrical equipment such as heating, ventilation, and HVAC systems, boilers, and electrical panels. It is managed to support the buildings operational needs.

An electrical room houses electrical panels, distribution systems, and associated equipment, playing an important role in delivering safe and consistent electrical power to various parts of the facility

ADJACENCY MATRIX

(It is not up to date with the final layout)

The strategic categorization of spaces into different zones influences logical adjacency and space planning For instance, the multi-faith room necessitates greater privacy, requiring careful consideration to avoid noisy areas and incorporate buffers Primary adjacencies create convenient and meaningful relationships between spaces, while secondary adjacencies, though less connected, serve similar user needs. Undesirable relationships, such as placing back-of-house zones near learning spaces, can lead to disruptive noise and visual disturbances.

By purposefully grouping meaningful spaces and avoiding unnecessary adjacencies, the service center can function more effectively, facilitating easy navigation and fostering meaningful interactions.

BUBBLE DIAGRAM

ADJACENCY & CIRCULATION

The adjacency and circulation bubble diagram suggests a strategic separation of public service areas, such as the media hub and youth hub, from learning spaces like studios and classrooms Despite this division the proximity of these zones ensures clear navigation for occupants.

Central communal areas, distributed into three areas near the services and learning spaces, serve as rest points encouraging collaboration and socialization for newcomers.

The administrative area and counseling offices are conveniently positioned near the entry, allowing individuals to drop in and leave without disrupting other service users

Additionally, a separate entry for housekeepers facilitates easy access to the back-of-house areas.

This thoughtful design aims to optimize functionality and enhance the overall user experience within the space.

Approximate total area: 18456 SQ FT

BUBBLE DIAGRAM

SENSORY & USER EXPERIENCE

The sensory and user experience bubble diagram offers insights into the intended user experience within the space, emphasizing the importance of avoiding visual and acoustical separation in certain areas.

The design prioritizes access to daylight in most spaces to promote a holistic and conducive learning environment The layout strives to foster meaningful interactions among diverse individuals

Additionally, the incorporation of a visual and acoustic buffer in the back-of-house zone is proposed to prevent disruptions between users and housekeepers, contributing to an overall enhanced and harmonious user experience

Overall, the diagram outlines a user experience that prioritizes a sociable, welcoming, and supportive environment. This is achieved through design practices like wayfinding strategies, facilitating newcomers in learning, accessing services, and adapting to the local society more seamlessly.

B U I L D I N G / S I T E

S E L E C T I O N

SITE CHARACTERISTICS

City / Regional: Vancouver, BC

Location: 4867 Ontario St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3H4

District Characteristics:

Riley Park Neighborhood

A vibrant neighbourhood in Vancouver which is characterized by its vibrant community comprising individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds

English, Chinese languages, and Tagalog are commonly spoken, fostering a mosaic of cultural exchange and interaction among residents

Ways to Access:

Public transit:

Main Street is the primary commercial thoroughfare in the neighborhood Newcomers can access the location using the SkyTrain or buses.

Bike paths: There is a dedicated bike lane along the road.

Pedestrian routes access: Easily accessible via wide pedestrian routes

Amenities:

Nat Bailey Stadium

A baseball stadium that offers an exciting venue for baseball enthusiasts to catch the games Its vibrant atmosphere and community spirit make it a popular spot for locals and visitors

Queen Elizabeth Park Hillcrest Community Centre

It features not only scenic walking trails with breathtaking views but also offers additional recreational activities, such as pitch and putt or golf course, adding diverse options to the outdoor experience

It includes an aquatic centre, fitness facilities, an ice rink, a gymnasium, and indoor cycling options It serves as a dynamic hub for health and wellness activities.

Hillcrest Playground

It offers a safe and enjoyable space for kids and young children to engage in active play, which adds to the familyfriendly appeal of the neighborhood.

Parking lot

It features multiple parking lots strategically located around the area, providing convenient and accessible options for residents and visitors to park their vehicles.

BUILDING INFORMATION

• Designed by

• Total area

• Number of stories and area of each floor plate

Michael Sayachack

29976 Square Feet

2 floors

Ground floor - 14900 square feet

Second floor - 14900 square feet

• Construction type / structural grid type and size

• Applicable governing section of building code

Non-Combustible

3.2.2.27. Group A, Division 2, up to 2 Storeys, Sprinklered

A C C E S S I B I L I T Y I N T O A N D W I T H I N

B U I L D I N G ( P E O P L E + G O O D S )

The building features easy access points through multiple double doors, with the main entrances centrally located on the west side. Another door is symmetrically placed on the opposite side, offering additional entry options for the public

The building is situated on flat ground, allows easy access for individuals with disabilities or mobility issues It ensures a barrierfree entrance

A C C E S S T O D A Y L I G H T A N D V I E W S

Lots of windows on every side of the building, offer expansive views and daylight access

A C O U S T I C C O N S I D E R A T I O N S

Reflective exterior materials have the potential to influence indoor acoustics as it may bounce external sounds towards the buildings

In large floor plates, sound may travel over greater distances, leading to potential issues like echoes or noise buildup

The windows may pose noise concerns unless it is well-designed, such as using double-glazed windows with acoustic seals and incorporating other soundproofing measures.

C E I L I N G H E I G H T ( S )

Floors with an approximately 10' high ceiling

Sun shading are provided on certain windows, which contributes to energy conservation

Consideration: Adding privacy screens could manage excessive light, minimize glare and enhance privacy

The top floor is featured with a slanted ceiling, which requires thoughtful planning to address functional considerations such as lighting, acoustics insulation and ventilation

The inclusion of interior exit stairs not only facilitate vertical circulation but also act as a fire safety measures within the building It ensures that occupants safely exit the building in the event of an emergency

The elevator in the building ensures easy access for people with disabilities and improves overall efficiency by streamlining movement, reducing congestion, and wait times It adds convenience, saving time and energy compared to stairs, and is essential for meeting the diverse needs of occupants, including an aging population

BUILDING MODIFICATIONS

Add Courtyard/Outdoor Terrace:

Introduce a courtyard or outdoor terrace to enhance the building's amenities, and provide occupants with a space to enjoy fresh air, optimizing overall well-being

Ensures that the changes does not compromise the existing mass structure of the building.

Relocate Exit Stairs and Elevator:

Enhance accessibility and spatial flow by relocating exit stairs and the elevator.

Improve the overall circulation within the building for functional benefits.

Replace Some Windows with Solid Concrete Walls:

The use of concrete and brick on the exterior provide durability and longevity. Their use contributes to sustainable construction and building’s overall strength and resilience Both materials have good thermal mass properties that helps regulate indoor temperature and provide energy efficiency.

A greywater treatment system located in the underground level helps reducing water waste.

The use of glulam beams and columns enhances sustainability by providing a renewable and energy-efficient alternative to traditional construction materials. It is contributes to reduce carbon emissions.

C E I L I N G H E I G H T ( S )

Floors with an approximately 10' high ceiling

The top floor is featured with a slanted ceiling, which requires thoughtful planning to address functional considerations such as lighting, acoustics insulation and ventilation

Replace some windows with solid concrete walls for design consistency or privacy needs

Evaluate the impact on natural light and adjust the design accordingly

Reduce Number of Floors to Two:

Streamline the project scope by reducing the number of floors to two Align with the project vision as discussed among classmates for a cohesive approach to the building's transformation.

Reduce the Number of Doors/Relocate Doors:

Allow housekeepers or staff to have a separate entry, ensuring direct access to the building without congestion with other users

Enhance operational efficiency while ensuring security and maintaining ease of access for all occupants.

VOLUMETRIC STUDIES

DISCOVERING VARIED LAYOUTS OF DOUBLE-HEIGHT SPACES

Creating double-height spaces adds a sense of spaciousness and increases natural light penetration. It offers opportunities for creative features like mezzanines or tall windows, contributing to a more dynamic and open atmosphere

EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL INTEGRATION OF OUTDOOR TERRACES

Incorporating an outdoor terrace into the building provides a space for users to relax, socialize, engage in outdoor activities, and enjoy fresh air and panoramic views This addition not only offers an opportunity to connect with nature but also promotes overall well-being.

VOLUMETRIC STUDIES

Visitors are warmly welcomed by the lower and intimate reception area. As they move into public spaces like the cafeteria and communal areas, the higher ceiling creates a sense of openness providing outdoor views and natural light The transition between the low and high ceilings introduces a volume change, fostering diverse atmospheres and encouraging positive interactions.

A lower ceiling creates a warm and cozy atmosphere providing a sense of security for newcomers Strategically placed wayfinding lights on the ceiling guide people through the space seamlessly.

STRATEGIC CEILING HEIGHT

REDUCTION IN A LARGE OPEN SPACE

Reducing the ceiling height can establish an intimate atmosphere, particularly in breakout spaces and waiting areas where people gather or collaborate, fostering a less overwhelming and more comfortable environment.

ROOM LAYO

COUNSELLING OFFICES

Counseling offices are one of the essential spaces where newcomers frequently seek consultations for various needs

*Ensure sufficient circulation space between furnishings to accommodate wheelchair users.

CAFETERIA AND SHARED KITCHEN

The cafeteria and shared kitchen are open to the public, providing a space for people to come together, socialize, and share a meal.

Adjusting the counter height can accommodate wheelchair users, enabling them to join others without barriers Ensuring sufficient clearance between the bar and other table arrangements is crucial to avoid congestion

LEARNING SPACES / MEDIA HUB

It is crucial to establish a functional, practical, and engaging environment, particularly in classrooms and other learning spaces where newcomers primarily focus on education and creative activities. Examining various orientations and considering the spacing between tables is essential for effective learning Incorporating organic shapes and other innovative designs can enhance collaboration and social interaction. Further exploration is needed in the design phase.

Classroom layout

Computer lab table layout

BLOCK PLANS

: ADJACENCY & PUBLIC / PRIVATE ZONING

(It is not up to date with the final layout)

GROUND FLOOR

TOTAL SQ FT ON GROUND FLOOR: 14,988 SQ FT

TOTAL NET AREA USED: 12 345 SQ FT

TOTAL ROOM AREA: 8295 SQ FT (not including exit stairs, elevator and main circulation)

DINING AREA (2000 SQ FT)

The placement of multipurpose rooms adjacent to the cafeteria facilitates convenient socializing activities

RECEPTION & WAITING AREA (576 SQ FT)

FEATURE STAIRS + COMMUNAL AREA (1041 SQ FT)

COMMUNAL AREA (758 SQ FT) OUT

Centralizing communal areas at the center encourages newcomers and locals to come together and engage in shared activities

CONSELL NG OFFICE (150SQFT) N

CONSELLING OFFICE (150SQFT)

Grouping private and administration areas together, apart from public social spaces on the opposite side of the building, improves organization and clarity for diverse user needs

(150SQFT)

SCALE: 1/16" = 1'-0"

(150SQFT)

LEGEND

Communal areas occupy a significant portion in the central space, while the administrative areas are relatively compact Despite this, the advantage lies in their central location for easy access, facilitating newcomers and local residents to come together without congesting other service areas

The Back Of House zone is positioned away from the main entry and public areas to avoid occupants accidentally entering the housekeeping area

BLOCK PLANS : ADJACENCY & PUBLIC / PRIVATE ZONING

2ND FLOOR

TOTAL SQ FT ON GROUND FLOOR: 14,988 SQ FT

TOTAL NET AREA USED: 7398.7 SQ FT

TOTAL ROOM AREA: 6567.3 SQ FT (not including exit stairs and elevator)

The Media Hub, Youth Hub, and MultiFaith Room, where additional services and support for newcomers are provided, are grouped together to ensure easy access and convenience. One side of the floor plate is allocated for complementary use, aligning with the 20,000 square feet limit set for the project scope. Consider rotating the elevator to face the communal area rather than the Multi-Faith Room/Media Hub, aiming to provide a level of privacy in those spaces.

(It is not up to date with the final layout) N

OUT OF SCOPE (6368 SQ FT)

Child Minding Room is strategically positioned away from the educational and learning spaces, yet remains relatively close, aiming to uphold privacy within the classrooms for effective learning. This arrangement also facilitates convenience for parents when picking up their children after class

MULTI-FAITH ROOM (208 SQ FT)

COMPUTER LAB (504 SQ FT)

YOUTH HUB (202 SQ FT) LACTATION (100SQFT)

FEATURE STAIRS + COMMUNAL AREA (1041 SQ FT)

CREATIVE STUDIO #1 (246 SQ FT)

CREATIVE STUDIO #2 (204 SQ FT)

CREATIVE STUDIO #3 (341 SQ FT)

Grouping the learning rooms together, opposite the activities room fosters privacy and creates a quiet learning environment

CLASSROOM #1 (400 SQ FT)

CHILD MINDING ROOM (908 SQ FT)

Similar to the ground floor, communal areas are situated at the center to encourage newcomers to gather and collaborate in an alternative workspace.

CLASSROOM #2 (446 SQ FT)

TERRACE (1121.3 SQ FT)

CLASSROOM #3 (400 SQ FT)

CLASSROOM #4 (446 SQ FT)

The terrace provides an outdoor space for newcomers to enjoy views and fresh air contributing to an enhanced overall sense of wellbeing.

BUILDING SECTION:

RECEPTION AREA + COMMUNAL AREAS

Reception Area

PRECEDENT IMAGES

https/ wwwpnterestca/pin 768919336407620898/

Waiting Area / Lounge Area

PRECEDENT IMAGES

The waiting area/elevator lounge features similar design elements

Cohesive design throughout

LIGHTING STUDY

DOUBLE-HEIGHT SPACE

Feature Wall

PRECEDENT IMAGES

https//interiordesignnet/projects/zgf-drawson-natural-light-and-hospita ity-e ements-fornew-cedars-sinai-cancer-care-c in c/

Columns

PRECEDENT IMAGES

https//wwwbeneditodesigncom/en/l ghting/ci rcular/

Wall washing / grazing t double-height feature w to emphasize the focal p

Lighting pendant encircli columns, providing task lighting for table users

MILLWORK DETAILS FOR KEY AREA

Suspended felt ceiling baffle to reduce sound transmission

Surface mounted lights in between baffles

Lighting Design Section Cut - indicating the location of ceiling baffles

MILLWORK DETAILS FOR KEY AREA

Section cut

Indicating the location of the feature stairs and the built-in bench underneath

WELL BUILDING STANDARD

It ensures optimal indoor air quality throughout the lifespan of a building by employing diverse strategies

A07 Operable Windows

Large operable windows, particularly in the training room and studios enhance fresh air circulation and strengthen the connection to the outdoor surroundings

It addresses the quality, distribution, and control of liquid water within a building

W08 Hygiene Support

A public and accessible washrooms provide spacious sinks, automatic faucets, soap dispensers, and handdrying support to enhance the experience for users with varied needs

It promotes increased exposure to light and strives to design lighting environments that enhance visual, mental, and biological well-being.

AL07 Visual Balance

The horizontal and vertical luminance contrast ratios illuminance, and correlated color temperature are take into account when designing the spaces for various purposes

It encourages physical activity in daily life through the design of the environment, implementation of policies and development of programs

V02 Ergonomic Workstation Design

Offer ergonomic workstation furnishings, such as adjustable height desks and seats in classrooms to accommodate users with diverse needs and enhance flexibility.

It advocates for creating food environments that make healthy choices the easiest option.

N10 Food Preparation

A shared kitchen and dining area provide a dedicated space for the on-site reassembly or reheating of meals, encouraging newcomers to either bring their own food or prepare a meal in the kitchen

It aims to enhance human productivity and ensure maximum thermal comfort for all building users by improving HVAC system design and control.

T05 Radiant Thermal Comfort

Integrating radiant systems and independently controlled ventilation systems in the building helps mitigate dust transmission, enhances ventilation control and improves thermal comfort

WELL BUILDING STANDARD

It strives to enhance occupant health and well-being by identifying and addressing parameters related to acoustical comfort.

S01 Sound Mapping

Designing distinct acoustic zones minimizes potential noise impact. For instance, placing the multi-faith room away from other noisy areas reduce sound transmission, preventing disruptions during spiritual activities.

It advocates for mental health through policies, programs, and design strategies that aim to address various factors influencing cognitive and emotional well-being.

It minimizes human exposure to chemicals that could affect health throughout the construction, remodeling, furnishing and operation phases of buildings.

X01 Material Restrictions

Choose sustainable materials that not only contribute to environmental well-being but also prioritize human health, such as selecting materials with zero VOCs.

M02 Nature and Place

Incorporate biophilic and biophilia design in the indoor environment to provide direct or indirect experiences of nature, bringing physiological and psychological benefits by reconnecting humans with the nature.

It strives to facilitate access to essential healthcare, foster a health-oriented culture that meets diverse population needs, and create an inclusive, engaged community of occupants

C13 Accessibility and Universal Design

Universal design strategies, including effective wayfinding play a significant role in this project to accommodate a diverse range of disabilities, needs, and backgrounds.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Barber, S. (2021). Achieving holistic care for refugees: The experiences of educators and other stakeholders in Surrey and Greater Vancouver, Canada. British Educational Research Journal, 47(4) 959–983 https://doiorg/101002/berj3730

Chai, C-L, Orcutt, S, & Adjei, J (2023) Impeded sociability: Racial consciousness and racialized immigrants’ sense of sociable and unsociable places in semi-rural Alberta, Canada Canadian Ethnic Studies, 55(2), 97–124. https://doi.org/101353/ces.2023.a902153

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