TOTEST ALENG - SOUTH SURREY INDIGENOUS LEARNING HOUSE
CITY OF SURREY
Responsibilities: Project
PROJECT SUMMARY
At the South Surrey Knowledge Pavilion, Semiahmoo First Nation history, culture and stories are communicated for everyone to appreciate through the medium of architecture. Elgin Park, the site of the Knowledge Pavilion, is a picturesque heritage park that was once an active colonial farming community. The genius loci of the site’s beautiful landscape and layered history stretches beyond the pre-existing superimposed setting of the historic farmhouse buildings.
The Knowledge Pavilion has challenged us as architects to consider more than just the design of a pavilion. There is an opportunity for everyone to appreciate the magnitude and history that underlies truth and reconciliation with First Nation communities in Southern BC.
The importance of tradition, storytelling, language and the unique ways they are experienced through topophilia were the essence of our design approach.
The distinctive use of wood as a material and as a utility aims to connect the past, present and future; its utilization can instantly bind nature, art and technology in ways that are sustainable and harmonious. The different textures and arrangements of solid and void create a dynamic place for igniting dialogue with the site. Interconnected pedestrian flows and views into and out from within the pavilion are filtered through perforations that enhance this experience at different times of day and season. The massing, derived from numerous structures and forms on site changes with every step around the pavilion. Connections to place are unlimited.
GARDENWORKS
PROJECT SUMMARY
GardenWorks, a British Columbia based business already active on the North Shore is focussed on expanding its service to North Shore Residents with a wide assortment of planting products and services for both experienced gardeners and novices in British Columbia. This project is a relocation of the iconic Capilano Store from the City of North Vancouver to the District of North Vancouver at 95 Philip Street. The location is at the industrial edge of the north shore on a site that currently houses the Western Bus Parts & Service Ltd. This relocation is a strategic reinforcement of Gardenworks offerings through an expanded retail presence and services.
The architectural response to this new retail store is to renovate the existing building, reinforcing a commitment to sustainability through reuse of existing built assets rather than building anew to accommodate all the area requirements for the flagship North Vancouver location. This new facility will house a retail gardening centre predominantly including interior and exterior retail spaces with support spaces such as administration and storage. The emphasis on retail space takes advantage of the existing building’s large industrial nature and open space planning to utilize as a wide open large retail area where a variety of products are sold both year round and seasonally.
BRISTOL ESTATE
PROJECT SUMMARY
As part of Surrey’s evolving landscape, Bristol Tower 1 seeks to complement the existing attractions, creating commercial use and outdoor public spaces for the benefit of the local community; in addition to a home for many new residents.
The project design focuses on implementing ‘environmental responsive design’ principles in the architectural expression, and emphasizing a thoughtful integration with the urban surroundings and public realm.
The base of the structure strives to harmoniously integrate with public spaces, fostering a sense of community in parks, plazas, and pedestrian zones; and create links between the indoor and outdoor experience at the ground plane. The tower’s four key ground floor programs (townhouses, retail, garden space, and amenity), establish distinctive connections between the building and its immediate surroundings. The podium is shaped such that it steps down to the north to create a valley condition with its northern neighbour, and a site gateway with its neighbour to the east. The podium rooftop also provides an excellent opportunity at the ninth floor for both east and south facing indoor and outdoor residential amenity spaces.
The tower design uniquely responds to surrounding views, solar and wind comfort, noise pollution and public identity; and in doing so creates a dynamic and responsive façade design. Careful consideration is given to the exterior design and material selection, ensuring visual appeal while aligning with the larger environment and Master Plan. The project aims to deliver a sustainable and visually captivating built environment through thoughtful design that is aligned with its environment.
Tower ShapePodium Design
The tower’s tall, slim proportions on all sides is created by utlizing 25 m by 28 m floor plates that maximize structural eff iciency and unit livability.
A. The west facade of the podium recedes from the street at the north end.
B. The second floor steps back from the floor below it on the north, south, and west elevations.
C. The podium levels are aligned at the inside corner of the “L” shape.
D. At level 9, the east and south wings of the podium provide maximum continuous south-facing outdoor amenities on the podium roof.
The density of balconies varies based on the opportunities for a view
The east and west facades have a higher solid to glass ratio due to solar exposure
Podium balcony designed to ensure privacy and reduce noise
Amenity activated glazed facade to create connection between indoor/outdoor
Neighbourhood scale residential facade
The ratio of the balcony to the slab area be maintained at 50:50
Maintain a 50:50 ratio between solid and window areas
Enhancing porosity to facilitate the activation of public spaces Retail emphasized through commercial scale curtainwall and signage
View Opportunities
Diverse viewing opportunities arise from reacting to our surroundings
Preventing the high noise pollution on the lower part of the south facade
Maximizing solar exposure while preventing its negative effects
Reducing the impact of the prevailing winds on the east facade
The building is identified by its prominent southern facade
Extend the living room experience into the surrounding landscape
RICHMOND BOWLING GREEN COMMUNITY ACTIVITY CENTRE
CITY OF RICHMOND
PROJECT SUMMARY
O4Architecture has been retained by the City of Richmond to design a replacement facility for an existing lawn bowling clubhouse in Minoru Park. This facility will need to accommodates future lawn bowling membership, serve clubhouse functions and will also satisfy a need for multipurpose space in the north Minoru Park area.
Richmond Lawn Bowling Club currently has 120 dedicated members. The club has hosted significant international events and has strong roots in the community. Each of the existing greens is lit for evening play and members play year-round weather permitting.
Concept + Massing
The project constraints require a bias to the south green with a minimum 17’ clear width between the north green and the building. The numerous pedestrian paths that are adjacent to the building make each elevation visible to passers-by. Highrise buildings in proximity make the roof a visible fifth elevation for residents of the area.
The focused program areas are collected along a long rectangular building form with the largest being the multipurpose space.
The programs areas are re-consolidated into like areas and their shapes are homogenized to regulate the building form.
A unifying element connects all the program areas and creates a singular building form.
The elevations are further articulated creating visual interest and a connection between the roof element and ground as well as between adjacent functions.
NORTH ELEVATION
WINSKILL AQUATIC CENTRE FEASIBILITY STUDY
CITY OF DELTA
PROJECT SUMMARY
O4Architecture was to provide a Conceptual Design and Feasibility Review for the future of Winskill Aquatic and Fitness Centre Facility at 5575 9th Avenue. Although well maintained and operated, the existing Facility is aged and undersized to meet the future recreation needs of the community.
Delta was specifically interested in conceptual designs and comparison of the following three options in this study:
Option 1:
Renovation & Expansion
Option 2:
A new facility in a location adjacent to the existing facility with a new 25 m pool
Option 3:
A new facility in a location adjacent to the existing facility with a new 50 m pool
