YES2020 - Senior Research Architecture Studio - 5/5 (Boutin)

T H E E Q U I TA B L E C I T Y CONSTRUCTING CANADIAN IDENTITY

Professor: Marc Boutin + MBAC EVDS 782 - Senior Research Studio - Winter 2020 school of architecture, planning and landscape university of calgary

CONTENTS

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CHAPTER 1

Indigenous Futures By: Danny Roy

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CHAPTER 2

The Conscious Society By: Alexis Valentine

64

CHAPTER 3

Reclaiming Public Ground By: Cassidy Westrop

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CHAPTER 4

Inhabiting The Supply/Demand Gap By: Vivian Lee

126

CHAPTER 5

Participatory Multi-culturalism By: Ki Joon Sung

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CHAPTER 6

The Emergent Sacred By: F r é d é r i c k M é t h o t

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T H E E Q U I TA B L E C I T Y

Senior Research/Integrated Studio Winter 2020 (Full course) Mondays, Tuesdays, (Wednesdays), and Fridays, 14:00-18:00 hrs., Instructor and Collaborators: Prof. Marc Boutin, Richard Cotter, Tim Smith, Ashley Ortlieb, Tony Leong

CONSTRUCTING CANADIAN IDENTITY

The Equitable City: CONSTRUCTING CANADIAN IDENTITY T H E I D E A T H A T H Y B R I D I Z A T I O N C O N S T R U C T S I N T E N T I O N A L I T Y W I T H I N A C A N A D I A N C U LT U R A L M I L I E U .

T H E I D E A T H A T T H E C A N A D I A N S O C I A L D E M O C R A T I C P A R A D I G M , A R T I C U L A T E D B Y L E S T E R P E A R S O N , I S A N U N F I N I S H E D P R O J E C T. T H E I D E A T H A T T H E C I T Y I S A L A B O R A T O R Y W I T H I N W H I C H T O P R O A C T I V E LY C O N S T R U C T S P A C E A N D P L A C E T H A T B R I N G S V A L U E T O T H I S W O R L D .

INTRODUCTION

This studio explores innovative form making, social agency, cultural relevancy, and ecological design in the City through the understanding of three lenses and their interrelationship: The Idea that Hybridization constructs intentionality within a Canadian Cultural Milieu.

The Idea that the Canadian Social Democratic Paradigm, articulated by Lester Pearson, is an unfinished project.

The Idea that the City is a laboratory within which to proactively construct space and place that brings value to this world.

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Integrated Studio is specific to set beof exploresin this the conscious interface Hybridization, studio, explores the conscious interface between two or more culturally, socially, or formally understood as a laboratory where between two or more culturally, norms, related to architecture and urban design. Through Hybridization as a design process, students will research, analyze, design research guided socially, formally specific interpret, and designor an intervention that consciously challenges existing formalideas, and spatial paradigms and proposes an by collaborative set cultural, of social, norms, to in thedesign, alternate or ecological related architectural paradigm City of Calgary.and Inherentthe in this studio is a deep suspicion of of it isarchitectural architecture and urban design. the quality, purposefulness, and intention embedded within existingexploration built fabric in the city, whether operating at the scale of the city, the urban space, or the architecturalas building.

Hybridization inintentions this conceptual and are physicalparamount context, is the conscious mutation to the Through Hybridization a design of existing paradigms, forms, spaces and places towards the creation of alternate paradigms more culturally, socially,Based or success of the studio. process, students will research, ecologically appropriate for Calgary. on an overall framework of analyze, interpret, and design Hybridization as form-finding, an intervention that consciously will challenges existing formal and This Senior Research Studio/Integrated Studio is to be understoodstudents as a laboratory where designexplore ideas, research formal, guided by programmatic, spatial paradigms and proposes an design, and the collaborative exploration of architectural intentions are paramount to the success tectonic, of the studio. Based onand an material culture opportunities alternate social, orwill explore overall framework ofcultural, Hybridization as form-finding, students formal, programmatic, tectonic, and material culture in downtown ecological architectural paradigm opportunities in an intervention in downtown Calgary.

The processin of thean studiointervention will be structured as a collaboration between the Calgary.

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Inherent students and City the MBACof Studio, with each student leading the development of one design This studio’s design work will be strategically in a travelling architectural design exhibition the subject of Hybridizationas in a studio will onbe structured in this studio is amanifested deep suspicion Architecture. installation and exhibition are made possible bycollaboration funding from the Canadabetween Council for the Arts.students the of the This quality, purposefulness, and the MBAC Studio, with each and intention embedded within Students will be developing development skills, visualization skills, and digital fabrication skills. student leading the development existing builtconceptualization fabric and indesign the of one design intervention. This city, whether it is operating at RESEARCH DIRECTION AND PROGRAM creative designtrajectories: work the scale the city, urbanas a studio’s Students have theof opportunity to explorethe Hybridization form-finding process within three dominant will be strategically manifested space, or the architectural in a travelling architectural building.andHybridization in how this Hybridization Cultural Re-Calibration: do urban/architectural forms and spaces construct cultural design exhibition on the subject conceptual and physical context, relevance? of Hybridization inspaces Architecture. is the and conscious mutation ofdo urban/architectural Hybridization Social Democratic Space: how forms and construct spatial This installation and exhibition existing paradigms, forms, equity and social agency? are made possible by funding from spaces and places towards the Hybridization and Environmental Stewardship in the Winter how doCouncil urban/architectural formsArts. and the City: Canada for the creation of alternate paradigms spaces construct accessible livable indoor and outdoor environments conditioned for winter cities? more culturally, socially, or ecologically appropriate for Calgary.

STUDIO EXPERIENCE: DESIGN RESEARCH AND THE INTEGRATED STUDIO

1.

Indigenous Futures

2.

4.

Inhabiting Supply/ Demand Gap

5.

The Conscious Society

3.

Reclaiming Public Ground

Participatory Multiculturalism

6.

The Emergent Sacred

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INDIGENOUS FUTURES student: Danny Roy

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INDIGENOUS FUTURES Danny Roy

What do we consider in the fabric of our communities that reflect, authentically, Indigenous values, cultures, and histories?

Erasure of Indigeneity has characterized Canada’s relationship to First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities for centuries.

This erasure has been levelled in a systemic manner on a social, cultural, technological, urban, and architectural basis. In particular, the erasure is often more felt in urban centres where Indigenous presence is nearly non-existent. And yet, 53% of Indigenous people live in cities and are more increasingly identifying with urban centres as home rather than their traditional communities where their family or cultural connections reside.

This project’s contribution to the critical context and discourse of Indigenous rights and the recuperation and celebration of culture is an exploration of Indigenous Futures as they relate to the

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urban condition. This requires a fundamental shift of the role of Indigeneity in Canadian society.

Indigenous Futures necessitates not simply a reflection of the past, nor a recognition of a present condition, but the assertion that foundational notions of Indigeneity are crucial to our collective survival, ecologically and socially. An ecological future that speaks to our present-day realities of the climate crisis and our need to collectively work against it. The project proposes a symbiotic relationship between Indigenous cultures and other cultures in Canada.

for Indigenous connections and cultural exchanges, a socially inclusive programme, and an ecological model that is in equilibrium with nature.

From this perspective, and as a solution to the erasure of Indigeneity in urban centres, this speculative project explores that capacity for an Indigenous presence that is the leitmotif for our collective futures.

Specific in the project’s locational context, Calgary, Alberta, is the Indigenous worldviews through the Treaty 7 Nations (Blackfoot, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina) and the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Indigenous Future

The project situates Indigeneity as a worldview not only to be celebrated, but its capacity to radically transform and collaborate worldviews as it pertains to social, cultural, and ecological norms. The project, therefore, becomes a set of urban and architectural spaces and places that are emblematic of a future condition: a centre 9

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Canada’s colonial history has resulted in a centuries long process of erasure, as reflected in the timeline above. Through the industrialization and development of Canada, we’ve seen these mapping tools also erase the identity of Indigenous values from lands. However, at the same time, history has shown a strong element of resiliency in Indigenous communities. It is the goal of taking these essence of resiliency towards an Indigenous future. en

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CANADA’S TIMELINE OF ERASURE AND RESILIENCY Surveying tools 1911 Development 1946 Development 1960s Development

MAPPING TOOLS AS ERASURE

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The project is situated in downtown Calgary, AB. The site is significant for its adjacency to natural systems such as the river to the north, and it’s symbolic relationship with the Harry Hayes federal services building directly to the west.

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Macleod Trail SE

As a program concept, the building is situated as an Indigenous Ecological Learning Exchange Centre. Each floor is an integrated community of learning spaces, research offices dedicated towards traditional ecological knowledge,production studios, and exhibition. The interstitial spaces are dedicated towards these informal spaces of dialogue and exchange.

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PROGRAM DIAGRAM

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FORM FINDING PROCESS

As a form finding process, the building is intended to be a showcase of natural processes.

Sun studies of the site reveal opportunities for capturing solar gains and daylighting through the seasons.

The site and building go through a series of moves in form finding. The first is a grand gesture of a raised landscape over the site, intended to provide a landscape towards the river. Three ceremonial spaces are situated on site: river gathering area, outdoor ceremonial space, and interior ceremonial space. The building itself is formed through natural processes and a large canopy structure intended to frame the outdoor ceremony space.

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Spring Equinox

Summer Solstice

Fall Equinox

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SUN STUDIES

FORM FINDING PROCESS

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A vegetation concept showcases the natural and native species of plants, shrubs, and trees that could grow on this expanded landscape towards the river.

These species are natural growing in the southern ecosystems of southern Alberta.

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1. Outdoor Ceremonial Space 2. Community Kitchen 3. Dining Area 4. Kitchen Storage 5. Cold Storage 6. Foyer/Reception 7. Workshop Storage 8. Shipping/Receiving 9. MakerSpace Tech 10. MakerSpace Assmebly 11. Workshop and

Assembly 12. Indoor Ceremonial Space 13. Gallery (Under Lecture Seating) 14. Lecture Stage and Seating 15. Services 16. Gender Neutral W.C.

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The interior ceremonial space on the ground floor becomes the focal point, as each floor plate responds to this central area. This results in cascading floor plates as the building rises.

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FIRST FLOOR

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The ground floor is intended to be the most active area, with the two ceremonial spaces and a community kitchen that can open up to the outdoor spaces during the warmer seasons.

Exhibition spaces tucked under the raised lecture hall and towards the southeast corner of the building creates an active street front.

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Terrace Informal Gathering Flexible Classroom Gallery/Exhibition Space 5. Exhibit/Informal Gathering 6. Research and Admin Office 7. Production Studio Support 8. Recording Booth 9. Classroom(s) (via wall partition) 10. Gender Neutral W.C. 11. Services

EXTERIOR RENDER SOUTH FACADE

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The circulation on the stairs and floors plates become informal spaces of dialogue and conversation. Each floor is an integrated community of production, learning, and exhibition.

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Through the incorporation of terraces on each floor, these are conditioned spaces that bring in natural breezes with operable windows, allowing for passive ventilation strategies to occur.

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The building utilizes mass timber as a structural system.

Mass timber is selected because of it’s environmental benefits lowered carbon footprint in comparison to other structural materials.

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1. Research Hub 2. Storage Space 3. Informal

Gathering 4. Gallery/ Exhibition Space 5. Exhibit/Informal Gathering 6. Terrace 7. Production Studio Support 8. Recording Booth 9. Storage Space 10. Gender Neutral W.C. 11. Services

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Admin Office 2. Exhibition Space 3. Exhibition Bridge 4. Production Studio Support 5. Video Recording Booth 6. Server Room 7. Informal Classroom 8. Terrace 9. Gender Neutral W.C.

INTERIOR RENDER TERRACE VIEW

FOURTH FLOOR

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SECTIONS

Sections reveal the relationship between the interior ceremonial space and the cascading floor plates. The oculus above also establishes the relationship between ground and sky.

Natural light and other environmental processes are important aspects of the building. As an ecological learning centre, the building is a showcase of these active environmental processes.

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EXTERIOR RENDER NORTH FACADE

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THE CONSCIOUS SOCIETY student: Alexis Valentine

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“The theory of biophilia states that we as humans have an affinity for and a biological need to connect with nature, living systems, and processes...the strength of this connection impacts our personal well-being, productivity, and societal relationships.”

2015

O. Heli

“Food is used in every society to communicate messages. Preeminent among these are messages of group solidarity;food sharing is literally sacred in almost all religions and takes on a nearsacred quality in many families around the world” E.N. Anderson

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WE ARE UNCONSCIOUS Alexis Valentine

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Our society is unconscious. Food has been inextricably connected to our diverse Canadian identities and cultures. Food is a constant player in every spectrum of social gathering and connection. Neoliberal ideology has now commodified food, using it as a mechanism for wealth creation.

The relationship between food production and consumption has been separated by a linear global corporate food chain. This system has worsened our global ecological footprint, has prevented access to decent

and culturally appropriate food to marginalized cultures and socio-economic classes, and is blinding us of the origins of where our food comes from.

Private developers capitalize on capitalism by scattering intermediate spaces between buildings and the street that see little social, cultural, or ecological benefit.

Local food movements have recognized the urgency of providing equitable access to food. Food must be de-commodified and de-linked from the corporate global food system to reconnect the urban population to food production and consumption, and revitalize the social, cultural, and ecological benefits that locally grown food can provide.

Urban brownfield sites create opportunities to generate greater social, cultural and ecological impacts to turn an unconscious society into a conscious one by:

1. Demystifying local food production, distribution, and consumption by disrupting consumer’s subscription to the corporate food chain.

We must connect the public to transparent, open, and accessible spaces that reveal the food system instead of masking it.

2. Recalibrating the food production, distribution, and consumption process by privileging the system as a continuous integrated cycle, and thus amplifying the system’s potential as an ecologically sustainable model.

3. Program that is organized by the community where food production, distribution, and consumption co-exist appropriately in a Canadian urban setting, while simultaneously providing gathering and educational spaces that amplify food production as a humanized process rather than a commodified one.

4. We have the ability to use advanced technologies

that make it possible to produce enough food for an urban population within an urban setting. We must eliminate the erasure of the relationship between food and cities by weaving local food hubs that are easily deployable and respond to subtle differences in site conditions into the inbetween spaces of the urban fabric. These food hubs will thus gradually disseminate a slow food movement.

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THE GLOBAL FOOD CHAIN ACCOUNTS FOR 37% OF THE W O R L D ’ S T O TA L G R E E N H O U S E GAS EMISSIONS CANADIANS WASTE 58% OF ALL FOOD PRODUCED IN THE COUNTRY 1 IN 8 CANADIAN HOUSEHOLDS HAVE I N S E C U R E O R I N A D E Q U AT E ACCESS TO DECENT FOOD

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E R A S U R E O F R E L AT I O N S H I P BETWEEN FOOD & CITY

Mapping and pre-design research were used as a way to inform and develop an overall formal strategy and design. Historical precedents were first used as a method to understand the relationship between food and the city before industrialization pushed food production to city peripheries. Food deserts measured as the location of a grocery store within a 500m radius were then mapped within a Calgary urban context, indicating the lack of access to decent food within the urban core. Calculations and mapping was further done to determine how many people the site being studied would need to produce in order to adequately feed this population, totalling 14,000KG of food per day.

Given this extensive result, a decentralized model is proposed - like 17th century London where potential vacant sites within the senior research studio: mbac

surrounding sites all have the ability to contribute to the 14,000KG daily food growth requirement. The site being studied would thus need to produce 8% of this total requirement.

Sun studies were also mapped to determine where sunlight access is optimized in an urban setting.

City of Ur The Original Food Hub

17th Century London Network of Hubs

Post-Industrial London Erasure of Relationship Between Food & City

“[Mesopotamian cities] were compact, surrounded by productive farmland, and dominated by large temple complexes...that were... spiritualized, central food distribution centers. Because it was the temples that organized the harvest, gathered in the grain, offered it to the gods, and then offered the grain that the gods didn’t eat back to the people...The whole spiritual and physical life of these cities was dominated by the grain and the harvest...”

““This is another thing about cities: Once its roots into the city are established, they very rarely move...And if you look at a map of any city built before the industrial age, you can trace food coming into it. You can actually see how it was physically shaped by food... the streets and the public spaces were the only places where food was bought and sold...”

“Cities used to be constrained by geography; they used to have to get their food through very difficult means. All of a sudden they are effectively emancipated from geography...and this marks the end of this process. It’s the final emancipation of the city from any apparent relationship with nature at all. Here we have food - that used to be the center, the social core of the city - at the periphery.”

- Carolyn Steel 35

NEIGHBOURHOODS

CALGARY’S URBAN FOOD DESERTS

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% TOTAL AREA

2030 POPULATION PROJECTION

2030 POPULATION WITHIN 500M RADIUS

DOWNTOWN CORE

23.3%

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2411

BELTLINE

14.2%

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EAST VILLAGE

14.2%

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THE 500M DIET

OTHER POTENTIAL FOOD GROWTH SITES

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SITE FOR INTERVENTION

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DECENTRALIZED MODEL

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1. INITIAL CONDITION

2. PROGRAM

The Macleod Trail underpass acts as a transitional space between where the city lives and works, where the CPR bisects these two functions.

Public functions are inserted at grade to engage pedestrian activity. Growing food mediums occur above these public functions to take advantage of higher solar gain in an urban setting.

Storage and composting are placed below grade to take advantage of passive cooling and preservation.

3. PUBLIC FUNCTION

4. STRUCTURAL SYSTEM

The underpass is expanded to allow for occupation, activate edges, and integration into the public sphere.

A structural lattice is used to facilitate efficiency within the food production and distribution process, and as a method for easy construction that can be deployed across a multiplicity of brownfield sites.

5. ROOF FIGURATION

6. ROOF VOIDS

The roof figuration is a field of sun-facing skylights to optimize sun and water collection for the growing process to occur.

Voids are cut in the roof that coincide with the social voids below, allowing these spaces to facilitate informal outdoor growing areas and learning spaces.

F I E L D // A N O M A LY

ROOF LOGIC

The play between field and anomaly is used as the primary conceptual framework throughout the food hub, where the anomalies interrupt the efficiencies required for storing, growing, and distributing, and allow users to interact with the food production & consumption process. The CPR acts as a local distribution method between food hubs within the urban centre.

PLAN LOGIC

SECTION LOGIC senior research studio: mbac

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R E V I VA L O F R E L AT I O N S H I P BETWEEN FOOD AND CITY

The overall design attempts to revive the relationship between food and the city once had, creating both an ecological, social, and economic cycle.

Composting mediums feed back into the soil based planting above, restarting the closed loop cycle of growing, harvesting, distributing, and composting. Participants are able to engage the entire process through the social voids throughout the building, where the market acts as an economic tool to keep the hub operational year-round.

SITE PLAN senior research studio: mbac

SITE SECTION 43

VIEW FROM MACLEOD TRAIL UNDERPASS senior research studio: mbac

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PLAN LEVEL -01

Store Compost Collect

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PLAN LEVEL 00

Distribute Gather Connect

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VIEW FROM 9th AVENUE ENTRY senior research studio: mbac

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PLAN LEVEL +01

Cook Dine Learn

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VIEW FROM COOKING AREAS senior research studio: mbac

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PLAN LEVEL +06

Grow Harvest

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GROWING AREA

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SECTION A

SECTION B

SECTION C senior research studio: mbac

SECTION D

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RECLAIMING PUBLIC GROUND: THE SPACE OF HUMAN RELATIONS IN THE WINTER CITY student: Cassidy Westrop

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RECLAIMING PUBLIC GROUND Cassidy Westrop

The Problem

What does it mean to have a truly public space in an increasingly privatized world? Public space is defined as a place where all members of a diverse community can coexist and represent their individuality, while sharing collective ideas and values alongside common interests without disaggregating their diversity. Many urban areas have become places of spatial inequity where we have normalized our lack of compassion and our perceptions of freedom have been reformed. The ‘equitable use of space within cities should be based on the principles of sustainability and social justice’ whereas cities are currently contributing to the privatization of public spaces and the segregation of urban spaces meant for all people.

Our cities are meant to be a collection of places and spaces that are connected to create a foundation for communal living but have become urban wastelands devoid of social infrastructure or ownership. senior research studio: mbac

Our democratic cities are not egalitarian, but rather a collection of segregated places where space has become a commodity. This commodification of public space has led to imposed rules on an increasingly narrowing category of who is considered a citizen. Public space has become armoured and surveilled, creating a closed off environment and a breeding ground for fear. A public space is meant to act as reprieve from the demanding urban environment and a place for individual and collective expression. However due to a change in political and theoretical discourses, public behaviours which were not previously considered criminal are now being examined as such. The ability to restrict the right to protest along with limiting certain groups at certain times, usually the marginalized and vulnerable, creates a highly monitored and controlled space where censored societal practices occur. Would you act the same when you know you’re being watched?

The Alternative

Strategies to Implement the Alternative

The growing need for spaces that challenge and reverse the trend of marginalization and isolation are imperative in a livable city. The composition of a new urban commitment is necessary to rewrite social and environmental contracts, and to move towards spaces where interconnectedness and empathy can thrive. In an equitable city, our urban morphology and architectural typologies are generous, inclusive and create a public realm that is connected.

By giving people a voice, the exchange of humanity at a personal level can begin. In a more fair and egalitarian society and public territory, everyone can participate as a true member of society. This equitable city provides options and choices with the ability to move from an environment of avoidance to a climate of trust in an unbiased public ground.

i. Being outwardly honest about the intentions of a public space provides clarity in a new political paradigm while public ownership of places removes assumptions and returns spaces to the natural proprietors of the street. ii.

The reconfiguration of spaces for interconnectedness where people can release their preconceived notions allows the development of ownership in a landscape of choices. iii. The creation of microclimates begins to create a sense of well-being in a landscape for all four seasons. iv. Erasing barriers gives access to the site and its emerging programs where program can begin to weave together individuals and thier daily routines. v. Acknowledging a reclamation of social contracts, a new equitable normal can be formed.

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T H E S TAT E O F H O M E L E S S N E S S

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CANADA

A L B E R TA

CALGARY

235 000

5 735

2 911

In the State of Homelessness in Canada 2016 report, it was estimated that at least 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness in a given year.

The actual number is potentially much higher, given that many people who are unhoused live with friends or relatives, and do not come into contact with emergency shelters.

The 2018 Count suggests homelessness has stabilized in the province, with local variations, during a time of significant economic pressure.

New challenges have emerged for many communities during this time, including increased opioid use; a crisis impacting vulnerable people and the systems that support them.

Prior to the implementation of Calgary’s Plan to End Homelessness in 2008, counts clearly illustrated that homelessness was growing in the city by roughly 31% every two years.

Based on these projections, if nothing had been done, Calgary would have had almost 14,000 people experiencing homelessness by 2018.

Population: 37.59 Million Unemployment Rate: 5.7% Minimum Wage: $11-$15/hr Number of Emergency Shelters:392 Number of Beds: 15,859

Population: 4.371 Million Unemployment Rate: 7% Minimum Wage: $15/hr Number of Emergency Shelters:35 Number of Beds: 3,304

Population: 1,285,771 Unemployment Rate: 7.2% Minimum Wage: $15/hr Number of Emergency Shelters:9 Number of Beds: 2,052

C A L G A R Y S H E LT E R S mustard seed Capacity: 370 24 hr weekends alpha house Capacity: 120 24 hours drop-in centre Capacity: 1,000 24 hours

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LACK OF ACCESS With the expansion of modern cities and towering skyscrapers, the streets of North American cities have transformed, and small public spaces have begun to fill the cracks in between.

Due to the density of the towering cities, the need form for more public spaces has been identified. Many governments have provided public spaces in the form of public parks, squares and streets. In North America a new form of policy emerged giving incentives to developers who create open space for public use. Many planning departments have adopted these types of policies and are encouraging developers to create a variety of open spaces. Often incentives deal with an increase in the maximum floor area ratio allowing for larger buildings if a public amenity is provided. Calgary has long adopted these policies and provides bonusing options for downtown developers.

By increasing the size of their buildings, commercial development downtown has contributed to the number of open amenity spaces in the downtown. In this case, quantity doesn’t always mean quality. The number of actual public spaces in the downtown core is severely limited. senior research studio: mbac

SITE EXPERIECE

MATERIAL CULTURE

bow building

no. 1 fire station

central drop-in library centre

east village experience centre

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BARRIERS Commodification of public space has led to imposed rules on an increasingly narrowing category of who is considered a citizen.

Public space has become armoured and surveilled, creating a closed off environment and a breeding ground for fear.

A public space is meant to act as reprieve from the demanding urban environment and a place for individual and collective expression. However due to a change in political and theoretical discourses, public behaviours which were not previously considered criminal are now being examined as such. The ability to restrict the right to protest along with limiting certain groups at certain times, usually the marginalized and vulnerable, creates a highly monitored and controlled space where censored societal practices occur. Would you act the same when you know you’re being watched?

OVERPASS

NO TRESSPASSING

POLICE PRESENCE

OPEN OR CLOSED

FENCING

CAR & TRAIN OVERPASS

TRAIN CROSSINGS

CAR & TRAIN OVERPASS

Infrastructure built to help connect people have become barriers to certain groups and give priority to others.

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SECTION EAST WEST

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IT’S TIME FOR INTERVENTION existing

new

branded

co-created

barriers

shared streets

monofunctional

multifunctional

isolated

connected

autocentric

human scale

for others

for residents

prescribed

choice

T H I R D S PAC E

home

work

thirdspace

"First place" the home and those that one lives with. The "second place" is the workplace — where people may actually spend most of their time. Third places, then, are "anchors" of community life and facilitate and foster broader, more creative interaction. In other words, "your third place is where you relax in public, where you encounter familiar faces and make new acquaintances." Third spaces are the in-between, or hybrid, spaces, where the first and second spaces work together to generate a new third space.

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MASSING Being outwardly honest about the intentions of a public space provides clarity in a new political paradigm while public ownership of places removes assumptions and returns spaces to the natural proprietors of the street.

THE SITE

EXISTING GREENSCAPE

CONNECTED GREENSCAPE

LIFTING THE LANDSCAPE

CREATING CONNECTIONS

EQUITABLE SPACE

The reconfiguration of spaces for interconnectedness where people can release their preconceived notions allows the development of ownership in a landscape of choices.

The creation of microclimates begins to create a sense of well-being in a landscape for all four seasons.

Erasing barriers gives access to the site and its emerging programs where program can begin to weave together individuals and their daily routines.

Acknowledging a reclamation of social contracts, a new equitable normal can be formed.

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SITE PLAN

bb aa

bb aa

UPPER LEVEL LOOKING SOUTH-EAST

scale 1:500

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Section aa

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GROUND LEVEL LOOKING NORTH-WEST

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GROUND LEVEL

UPPER LEVEL

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1. Cafe

6. Viewing Area

2. Bike Shop

7. Lookout

3. Public Washrooms

8. Grass Seating

4. Public Water Access

9. Walkway

5. Storage Scale 1:500

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INTERIOR LOOKING EAST

I N T E R I O R S PAC E S The interior spaces consist of a cafĂŠ next to the river and a bike shop next to the drop in centre. Additionally there are public washrooms and public access to water located in both buildings.In both the cafĂŠ and bike shop employment training is provided to vulnerable communities through collaboration with the drop in centre.

This project acts as a transition space from different areas in Calgary connecting all people to the city. This connection is at a variety of levels inside and outside. Conditioned and unconditioned spaces provide a landscape of choices where all people can feel welcome, have access to basic human rights.

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SECTIONS

Section a

Section b

Section c Scale 1:200

0

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UPPER LEVEL LOOKING SOUTH-WEST

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SECTIONS

Scale 1:200

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LOWER LEVEL LOOKING WEST

E X T E R I O R S PAC E S Coming from the main level or street level, the user comes onto green roof areas which transform into a paved surface as it connects to the existing overpass. From this level there are many great viewpoints to see the river and downtown.

Additionally there is a spectator seating area where people can gather and watch what is going on below them.

LED neon lights brighten up the underside of the overpass for use of the site 24 hours a day.

These lights allow for use of the site at all hours of the day and throughout all seasons.

The overpass infrastructure acts as a roof over much of the site, protecting from all seasons of weather. A wide variety of activities are possible all throughout the site with the possiblity to extend activities out into the streets.

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LOWER LEVEL LOOKING SOUTH-WEST

By connecting people from all walks of life and giving everyone the fundamental right of choice, we can begin to move from an environment of avoidance to a climate of trust, with participation at every level. senior research studio: mbac

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I N H A B I T I N G T H E S U P P LY/ D E M A N D G A P

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illustration by Winston Yuen

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student: Vivian Lee

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I N H A B I T I N G S U P P LY/ D E M A N D Vivian Lee

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Our society is willfully unconscious.

We have chosen to normalize privileging the economic over the human condition and having compassion towards one another. It is this due to this dehumanizing that space has become a commodity; it is a privilege and not a right.

It has become a place where a minimum cost is associated with entry into the realm of home. Our participation in a market system that is designed to be unfair and has resulted in a great divide between those that have and those that have not, resulting in the disenfranchisement of the latter.

We have naturalized this as a value set, accepting social inequity as a compatible component of the capitalist system and the values prioritized by that system. Our current modes of living drive a larger wedge between the two, segregating and isolating those that are unable to participate and ensuring that they remain confined within the circumscribed boundaries our society enforces upon them. There is no system in place to care for those whom are at a competitive disadvantage.

“What kind of city we want to live in” is not independent from the question of “what kind of people do we want to be”; we are the city and the city is us. On the surface, we are unconscious of the magnitude and deep interrelationship between the two which has led to perverse paradoxes, such as the surplus office space and a shortage of accessible housing. Yet, upon closer inspection these two problems are a product of the same system.

Reflection and re-evaluation of the values and priorities of our society must instill urgency into the people to create change. The paradigm must shift; that which is currently implicit must become explicit.

Space must transform from a commodity afforded by the privileged to a basic human right; the feeling of home should not be exclusive. Not only is it more humane, but there is a cost-benefit. To have preventative measures to ensure accessible housing is in fact less of a financial strain on the economy and the citizen than treatment.

i) Revealing the implications of the naturalization of our current value sets and proposing a new value set that is empathetic to human condition and compassion; ii) Showing the social and economic gain that a shifted value set can have on the individual, community, and the city as a whole;

iii) Flexible design of residential architecture, allowing the density to be adaptable and the program to alternate when demand for residential is low (responding to needs as they evolve), allowing for an efficient use of resources that makes economic sense; iv) Providing “free” space to allow intermingling and confluence between people, fostering community and relationships at different scales, which in turn contributes to the greater society - an establishment of a social infrastructure

Utilization of unleased office space in Canadian urban centers can be used as a catalyst to disrupt our societal value sets and facilitate community building through…

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$4 5, 00 0

$1 25 ,0 00

A IN NN CO UA ME L

P E RV E R S E PA R A D OX

37%

Space is a commodity.

In Calgary, AB only 37% of households can afford a median home (based on their average annual income).

44%

19%

In a 2005 study by Pomeroy which looked at costs in four Canadian cities, institutional responses (jails, hospi171,000 households 207,000 households 89,000 households tals, etc.) cost $66,000-$120,000 annually, emergency shelters cost $13,000-$42,000 annually whereas supportive can afford a median home can afford market rent cannot afford market rent and transitional housing cost $13,000-$18,000 and affordable housing without supports was a mere $5,000-$8,000.

SPACE AS COMMODITY

Source: The City of Calgary, 2018 Affordable Housing Needs Assessment

$93,000

44% of Calgary households are able to afford market rent.

However, this leaves 19% of households who are unable to afford market rent.

This is about 89,000 households who are at risk of losing their home.

At the same time, the reactionary cost of treating homelessness is exceptionally higher than a preventative response.

Hospitalization or jail-time for an individual amounts to a much greater financial and social strain than providing affordable housing.

$27,500 $15,500 $6,500 Institution

senior research studio: mbac

THE COST OF HOMELESSNESS

(hospital, jail)

Emergency Shelter

Transitional Housing

Affordable Housing Source: The Cost of Homelessness: Analysis of Alternate Repsonse in Four Canadian Cities, Pomeroy

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2019 Calgary Unemployment Rate

7.1% UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

downtown with a 26% of office vacancy. to over 11 million of usable space.

These spaces are left sitting lit, heated, and unoccupied.

Meanwhile, there are a large population of households who are at risk of losing their homes.

936,000 LABOUR FORCE

870,000 EMPLOYMENT Source: Statistics Canada, December 2019

Historical Price of Oil vs Calgary Downtown Office Vacancy Rate $180

30% Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Avison Young

$160 25% $140 20%

$120 $100

15% $80 $60

10%

Vacancy Rate (%)

This has left percent rate This amounts square feet

D E M A N D

2019 CALGARY UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

WTI Spot Price ($US per barrel)

The gap between supply and demand exists for a multitude of reasons. In Calgary, one of the strongest factors is the price of oil and the industry surrounding it.

S U P P L Y

11,362,755 sq ft available downtown office space

$40 5% $20

These perverse paradoxes exist as a result of the same system.

How do we alternative?

implement

the

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HISTORICAL PRICE OF OIL vs CALGARY DOWNTOWN OFFICE VACANCY RATE senior research studio: mbac

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HOME

basic space housing first

CITY

we are the city the city is us

COMMUNITY

social infrastructure through shared spaces

Utilization of unleased office space in Canadian urban centers can be used as a catalyst to disrupt our societal value sets and facilitate community building through‌

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Revealing the Problematic Realizing Collective Gain Flexibility + Adaptation in Architecture Establishing Social Infrastructure

UTILIZATION

of existing resources to fulfill current needs

FLEXIBILITY

adaptation to context

Adoption of a more humanistic world view can reveal mutual gain that can be made by our society.

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TYPOLOGY AS SITE

The prototypical office building becomes the site.

CORE threshold transport connection between tindividuals within the artificially controlled environment

COMMUNITY resident’s community space shared bathrooms shared living/common area shared kitchen area

Recalibration and of iconic and recognizable typology in order to redefine the office building.

FLOORPLATES designation of hierarchy division of labor systematization of the workload optimum efficiency and output

Architectural decisions that previously signal hierarchy, division of labor, and optimum efficiency and output become transformed into community building and neighborhood fostering spaces.

SKIN protection of artificially controlled environment removes dependence on exterior environment

LOBBY interface with public realm impression on public

RESIDENTIAL capsule

INTERFACE Link to external environment

PUBLIC COMMUNITY residents/public community space shared dining area indoor “park” space

SITE

senior research studio: mbac

Office building as typology born from the market system Prioritizes the economic, spaces are dehumanized Built to optimize the housing of economic process rather than people Dollar amount put to area, SQ FT=$$$

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SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE RESIDENTIAL

COMMUNITY

NEIGHBORHOOD

ABOVE GROUND FLOORS Primary: Sedentary Secondary: Mobile

LOBBY-GROUND FLOOR Primary: Mobile Secondary: Sedentary

Surveying the existing amenity scape reveals that the city has resources available to supplement and foster network creation an establishment of a new social infrastructure. en

Maslow’s heirarchy of needs can translate into certain parts of program in the project.

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Permeable Non-Permeable

Self-Actualization

desire to become the most that one can be

Esteem

respect, self-esteem, status, recognition, strength

Love + Belonging friendship, intimacy, family, sense of connection

Self-Improvement Space (Recreation, amenities)

Residents-Public Community Space Residents Community Space

Safety

security, employment, resources, health

Physiological

Resident Capsule

SELF ACTUALIZATION gyms, yoga, fitness centres ESTEEM, LOVE + BELONGING community centres, public parks, plazas, food court SAFETY, PHYSIOLOGICAL homes, residential - potential sites

shelter, air, water, food, sleep

senior research studio: mbac

DOWNTOWN CALGARY AMENTITYSCAPE

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EVOLUTIONARY

Residential capsules are inserted into the existing building to offer shelter space.

Capsules offer a temporary insertion into the building, offering adaptability to suit the housing need required by the city at the time.

Capsules are modular, flexible and configurable to suit household needs.

Capsules offer a form of ownership and sanctuary. As individuals inhabiting the capsules change and grow, so do their homes. It offers a new way of aging in place.

As the needs of the city develop, the need for temporary housing has the possibility of transforming into permanent residential units.

Single

Couple

Family

Senior Couple

Capsules as home have the ability to grow or shrink through the life-cycle of a family.

Capsules translate into a permanent residential unit as the building develops according to needs.

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PHASE 1 impermanent defined start and end date high density fulfilling need for shelter centered on community

community

ROADMAP TO THE E Q U I TA B L E C I T Y

The project is phased to allow for flexibility and adaptation to the needs of the city and its citizens.

semi-private

PHASE 4

residential

private

1 dimension

semi-permanent introduction of office space increased intermingling between user groups

PHASE 2 impermanent medium density expanding community space

PHASE 3

community

public

semi-permanent introduction of public hub public/resident interaction medium density expanding community space community

semi-private

residential

semiprivate

office

private

2 dimensions

residential

private

community

residential private

1 dimension public

semiprivate 2 dimensions

PHASE 5 permanent full integration of office, residential, and community space negotiation of space sharing of amentities hybridization

community residential

public semiprivate

office

private

3 dimensions

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5 Ave SW

The combination and integration of public space, office and housing allow diverse community building to happen within the project,

5 Street SW

6 Street SW

7 Street SW

INHABITING THE GAP

6 Ave SW

8 Street SW

E L E V A T O R

7 Ave SW

Traditional residential programs are remapped and adapted to the office building typology.

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bedroom livingInhabiting room

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bedroom

living room

bathroom dining room interstitial community space

the Gap

kitchen

kitchen

bedroom

bathroom

living room

dining room

kitchen

interstitial community space b

bathroom

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REMAPPING PROGRAM

dining room interstitial community space b

0 5 15 Scale 1:1000

35m b

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UP UP UP

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GROUND FLOOR - PUBLIC

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5 4 4 The ground floor public space is the living room 4of the city.

5 4 A free space for everyone to use, to connect with all different user types.

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CAFE + FREE SPACE INTERIOR

Scale 1:200

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Cafe & Free Space Kid’s Play Area Cafe & Free Reading RoomSpace Kid’s Play Area Washroom Reading Room Co-working Space Washroom Area Workshop Co-working Space Elevator Lobby Workshop Area Elevator Lobby

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1. Cafe & Free Space 2. Kid’s Play Area 3. Reading Room

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UP

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FLOORS 2 TO 6 - RESIDENTIAL 5

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Residential floors have communal 4 living areas such as the dining 6 and reading room. This way of living heightens awareness 6 and respect for neighbors and space, establishing a new social contract.

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1. Residential Unit 2. Shared Living Area 3.

Dining Area 1. Shared Residential Unit 4.Shared 2. SharedReading Living Area Area 5.

LobbyArea 3. Elevator Shared Dining 6.

SocialReading BalconyArea 4.Shared 5. Elevator Lobby 6. Social Balcony

SOCIAL BALCONIES EXTERIOR

6 UP

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1. Residential Unit 2. Shared Living Area 3. Shared Dining Area

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UP

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1 5

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FLOORS 7 TO 9 - OFFICE 3

UP

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The offices 1open concept, co2 working spaces. Mindfulness 4 is grow and connections between entrepreneurs and people from 6 different industries can be made.

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1. Meeting Room 2. Washroom 1. Elevator Residential Unit 3.

Lobby 2. Reception Shared Living Area 4.

3. Cafe Shared 5. andDining LoungeArea 4.Shared Reading Area 5. Elevator Lobby 6. Social Balcony

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Meeting Room Washroom Elevator Lobby Reception

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1. Co-working Space 2. Elevator Lobby 1.

3. Residential Kitchenette Unit 2.

Living 4. Shared Printing Area Area 3. Shared Dining Area 4.Shared Reading Area 5. Elevator Lobby 6. Social Balcony

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FLOORS 7 TO 9 - OFFICE

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The Green Atrium is a hub for the offices, a breath of fresh air to commune outside of 6

4

community 3 4 providing and place business.

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GREEN ATRIUM INTERIOR

Scale 1:200

1. Co-working Space 2. Breakout Space 1. Washroom Residential Unit 3.

2. Elevator Shared Living 4.

Lobby Area 3. Green SharedAtrium Dining Area 5.

4.Shared Reading Area 5. Elevator Lobby 6. Social Balcony

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Co-working Space Breakout Space Washroom Elevator Lobby

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UP

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UP UP UP

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FLOOR 10 - PUBLIC 2 5 2

UP UP

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The top floor is public event 4 space along with an indoor green space and cafe.

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FLOOR 10 0

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GROUND FLOOR EXTERIOR

Scale 1:200

1. Cafe 2. Event/Gallery SPace 1.

Unit 3. Residential Washroom 2.

Area 4. Shared Indoor Living Green Space 3. Shared Dining Area 4.Shared Reading Area 5. Elevator Lobby 6. Social Balcony

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Cafe Event/Gallery SPace Washroom Indoor Green Space

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P A R T I C I P A T O R Y M U LT I C U LT U R A L I S M student: Ki Joon Sung

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PA R T I C I PAT O RY M U LT I C U LT U R A L S I M

Ki Joon Sung

? ?

? ?

? ?

? ?

? ?

?

? ?

? ?

?

?

Calgary

1. Erna Paris, “Canada’s Multiculturalism Is Our Identity,” The Globe and Mail, April 27, 2018, https://www. theglobeandmail.com/opinion/articlecanadas-multiculturalism-is-our-identity/) 2,3, & 4. Howard Schneider, “CANADA: A MOSAIC, NOT A MELTING POT,” The Washington Post (WP Company, July 5, 1998), https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/ politics/1998/07/05/canada-a-mosaic-nota-melting-pot/8a4998ed-b04b-491e-b72e1ef4d8e96d84

senior research studio: mbac

Opaque Cultural Sanctuaries and Silos in Calgary

Canada has celebrated, embraced, and respected a diverse range of foreign cultures, constructing a global sphere.

Their commitment to accepting new immigrants and rich cultures is strong and felt throughout the entire country. The notion and status of a ‘Canadian’ does no longer imply having adapted oneself to western culture.1 While Canada has valued, encouraged, and supported this cultural mosaic, Canadians have become arguably uninterested in and uncomfortable towards different cultures. Underneath the façade of being ‘polite and courteous,’ a layer of intolerance and indifference remains.

Thus, leading to the Canadian cultural mosaic being broken up into pieces of disjointed, opaque silos. There are a significant lack of Canadians endeavoring to familiarize and comprehend these various cultures, which are our ‘Canadian identities.’ The process of cultural integration and interaction is therefore blocked by stubborn monoculturalism.2 The collective typology of various cultural centers is

widely fractured, scattered, and dispersed, each having their own sacred headquarters. Their own cultural identity practices and connectedness strengthens and sustains the divide of cultures, and maintains the status quo.

Language, cultural manner, and ease of assimilation play significant roles in the segmented evolution of multiculturalism, scattering and distancing one individual from another.3 Little cross-cultural network or integration is evident. The ramifications are that different cultural entities do not collide with, nor view one another with understanding.

Canadians gravitate towards their domestic sanctuaries and the comfort of static isolation, opposing their cultural surroundings.

In turn, specific communities have developed while not having harmonized with others.4 Cultural empathy and equity in the value of cultures are dismissed. From a macro perspective, we are a stable ‘mosaic,’ but from a micro perspective, we are ruptured and disconnected. A

light temporary participation in multiculturalism can be fostered and occurred on national cultural days. Its interaction does not continue to apply after, rather, it is a one-time event or superficial experience that is merely scratching the surface, not understanding the spirit or essence of multiculturalism.

We are currently living on one monocultural island in an archipelago, not in a single harmonious way.

The continuous momentum of Canadian multiculturalism evolution leads to the fact that we have not grown into a global citizen, that is the present status of ‘Canadian identity’ that is ‘multicultural.’

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A LT E R N A T I V E : C R O S S - P O L L I N AT I O N O F P E O P L E F R O M D I V E R S E C U LT U R A L BACKGROUNDS

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Existing Monoculturalism in Calgary

Gravitate towards a Multicultural Hub

Cross-Pollination of Diverse Cultures

Canada has oceans and islands of cultures, yet, most are typically raised and tailored by only a few diversities. We are detached among ourselves, cultures floating freely, at arms length away from one another. In a country that is so privileged to be exposed and immersed and have access to cultural tides, we shy away from interaction. The era of Eurocentric nationalism for the notion of Canadian immigration is long since over and even the era of pseudo-multiculturalism, from which Canadians only touched the surface of other cultures is over. We now shall enter a true era of multiculturalism, in which Canadians actively participate in the cultures of all of its peoples, including those of new immigrants. We are to be profoundly engaged and familiarized in the ‘diversified identities’ that define us as Canadians.

Uninterestedness and uncomfortableness towards diversification should not be our demeanour and perception while Canada proclaims multiculturalism. We are not to

be uninterested, uncomfortable, and intimidated when confronting and participating in ‘one’ of our systematic identities.

as if the internal dynamic cultural activities are vividly disseminating and spilling out into the public. A hub where equity in multiculturalism is encouraged and integrated for a progressive direction of the true era of multicultural society, is essential for us in order to achieve cultural empathy among one another.

The hub shall provide a space that attracts all individuals in Canada to experience, appreciate, participate, and become inclusive of various identities daily – a genuine global Canadian citizen. The participation of people from diverse backgrounds defines the urban fabric of the new world.

Our interactions, connections, and relationships are to be generated and developed based on our various Canadian identities, not by prioritizing culture, language, and ethnicity. It is critical to maintain one’s culture within our unique Canadian identity.

We should all collaborate in the process towards a distinct identity that does not raise and sustain invisible barriers amongst ourselves. Living in Canada, we are to collide, blend, intertwine, weave, exchange, and cross-pollinate within ourselves, and become ‘one’ with each other. In fact, this infrastructure shall be open to the contemporary society, easily accessible both to and from the existing surrounding public realm, and will provide a theatrical experience by enhancing visual permeability through the transparency of the building, which could be perceived

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COMMON GROUND : I N T E R E S T A N D PA R T I C I PAT I O N I N C U LT U R A L A C T I V I T I E S

Natural Heritage Sites

70.2

Performing Arts

59.2

Visual Arts

45.2

Ethno-Cultural Festivals or Events

39.5

Library Programs & Activities

46.0

Food / Wine Festivals

41.0

29.3

Artisan or Craft Fairs

49.0

21.1

Film

48.8

21.2

Other Festivals

38.5

% Participating

15.2 23.6 36.4 36.7 29.2

‘ S T R AT E GY ’ T O FA C I L I TAT E C R O S S - P O L L I N AT I O N O F P E O P L E F R O M D I V E R S E C U LT U R A L BACKGROUNDS

18.1

‘CULTURAL ACTIVITIES - PROCESS’ - IN WHICH PEOPLE CAN EXTENSIVELY PARTICIPATE AND INTERWEAVE

% Not participating

INTERWEAVING OF PEOPLE WITH DIVERSE CULTURES Lack of Information / Promotion 23.1 Too Expensive 20.5 Lack of Transportation

B A R R I E R S T O PA R T I C I PAT I O N

7.7 Events / Programs are not of interest 6.8 Age / Health Issues 4.9 Lack of Facilities 4.3 Lack of Programs / Variety of Programs 2.4 Lack of Interest / Don’t Make an Effort 1.6 Travel a Lot / Out of the City 1.4 Weather 1.3 Inconvenient 1.0 Other 5.0 Not sure / Nothing else / Simply too busy

I. PROPOSAL -> II. PROCESS -> III. PRODUCT ABSTRACT & NOT PLANNED

PEOPLE CAN ‘PARTICIPATE’ CULTURAL ‘ACTIVITIES’

EXPENSIVE & SUPERFICIAL EXPERIENCE

20.0

The Cultural Plan for Calgary - City of Calgary 2016 senior research studio: mbac

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ARCHITECTURAL FORM DEVELOPING PROCESS

All Seasonal Space: Indoor Plaza [Building Envelope]

Excavation

Summer Space: Outdoor Plaza

Opaque Facilities

Roof & Illuminated Signage to the Public

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Existing Site Condition

Create a Space that is Transparent and Accessible from Urban Fabric, and Foster Dissemination of Cross-Pollination to the Public

Strategically Dispose Opaque Service Facilities at the back, and Extensively Expose Activity Spaces to the Public

Create a Gathering Space that Fosters A Theatrical Experience and Atmosphere of Cross-Pollination Activities, Performed by People from Various Cultures

Place a Roof, and an Illuminated Signage to Advertise this Multicultural Hub and Reinforce the Theatrical Atmosphere of the Cultural Hub to the Public

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D I S S E M I N AT I O N A N D S P I L L- O U T O F C U LT U R A L A C T I V I T I E S TO THE PUBLIC

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T H E AT R I C A L E X P E R I E N C E A N D POLEMICAL VIEW OF C U LT U R A L A C T I V I T I E S TO THE PUBLIC

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NOW SHOWING : CROSS-POLLINATION CROSS POLLINATION

This building section is an actual building section from the building, and explicitly conveys and represents the theme of the project ‘Cross-pollination’ of people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Spectators can appreciate a theatrical experience and atmosphere of cross-pollination. senior research studio: mbac

* BUILDING SECTION BB

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Bow River

SITE PLANS

SITE SECTIONS

The project site location is currently Sien Lok Park, Calgary, Alberta.

The building has a basement in which sport activities are taking place. People will become one with one another through physical activities. In addition, the project has also a landscaped outdoor plaza on the basement floor level where outdoor sport activities could also take place.

RiverWalk

The park is more of a monumental park, meaning it is not an amusement park for people to enjoy. Thus, the site does not become crowded and attract people for any particular reason.

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However, there is RiverWalk a pedestrian path in which a significant number of pedestrians in all four seasons is observed. The site has a great potential to facilitate and invite people for cultural activities.

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The building has 3 floors above the basement.

However, all floors are spatially connected through ‘multi-storey volume,’ meaning there are no physical separators between floors.

Spectators from the 3rd floor can watch the performance that takes place on the main floor.

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BASEMENT PLAN 8

The building provides a substantial space for sport activities both inside and outside.

In addition, the building also has a change room that could facilitate more of people’s participation in both sport and cultural activities.

2 3

A unique feature of this building is that, its indoor and outdoor sport fields and courts and people’s activities are clearly disseminated, visible and appealing to the public. In turn, more of pedestrians that walk the RiverWalk path will be attracted to this building, and they will participate the events taking place in the building too.

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It is a multicultural hub where people from diverse cultural backgrounds can become one with one another. Sport activities will play a significant role to facilitate this ‘cross-pollination’ process.

UP UP

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2. Futsal Court

7. Stage Storage Room 12. Passenger Elevator

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UP

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8. Stage Preparation Space 13. Woman Washroom

100m

4. Woman Change Room

9. Badminton Court

5. Man Change Room

10. Spectator Seat

[1:500]

6.Squash Court

11. Service Elevator

14. Man Washroom

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Basement

Basement FL-1

MAIN FLOOR PLAN Basement Basement

The main floor has a main stage where cultural activities can take place. This stage is a focal space in the building, meaning it is designed to be visible to spectators from the main floor to the 3rd floor.

FL-1

Another important space in the main floor is a community kitchen where people from diverse cultures can share their traditional cuisine with one another. In addition, spectators can also observe this community kitchen, and this community kitchen can serve food to the spectators when there are cultural performances are present on the stage.

UP

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The stage on the main floor is the main stage where major cultural activities that could facilitate ‘cross-pollination’ of people from various cultural backgrounds, take place. Spectators from main floor to 3rd floor can see, enjoy, and feel all the cultural performances, that will foster ‘cross-pollination’ of cultures.

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UP UP

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UP

0 1. Performance Stage 6. Service Elevator 9. Woman Washroom

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2. Outdoor Plaza

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UP

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3. Pivoting Doors

7. Passenger Elevator 10. Man Washroom

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100m 4. Indoor Plaza

[1:500]

5.Community Kitchen

8. Fridges, Coolers, Freezers, Stoves, Ovens, Sinks & Food Storage

11. Spectator Seat

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Basement

Basement FL-1

FLOOR-2 PLAN Basement Basement

Spectators can clearly see the cultural activities that are taking place on the main floor stage.

FL-1

In the 2nd floor, there are ‘makers space’ where people from various cultures can share their unique and traditional craft skills with one another.

In fact, spectators in the 2nd floor can observe the stage, community kitchen in the main floor, and this makers space in the 2nd floor at the same time. This intricate spatial structure provides a chaotic but dynamic atmosphere of the ‘cross-pollination’ of various cultures to both spectators and the public.

UP DN

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There is no visual obstacle between the inside of the building and the outside. Dissemination of cultural activities to the public is the intention of this multicultural hub.

11 3

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UP UP

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1. Performance Stage

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2. Hallway to Makers Space

5. Informal Meeting Space 9. Man Washroom

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6. Passenger Elevator

10. Spectator Seat

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UP

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100m

[1:500]

4. Makers Space

7. Fabrication Space

8. Woman Washroom

11. Multi-storey Volume [From Main Floor to Roof]

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aa Basement

Basement FL-1

FLOOR-3 PLAN

BUILDING SECTION AA Basement Basement

Even if spectators are sitting on the 3rd floor, they can still surely see the cultural activities that are taking place on the main floor stage.

FL-1

In the 3rd floor, just like the 2nd floor, there are ‘makers space’ where people from various cultures can share their unique and traditional craft skills with one another. Since this cultural hub is only a 3-storey building, spectators can also see and enjoy all the outdoor sport activities.

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5. Passenger Elevator

[1:500]

6. Service Elevator [Perforated Clad]

aa 1. Performance Stage

2. Service Elevator

5. Passenger Elevator 9. Spectator Seat

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6. Fabrication Space

3. Makers Space 7. Woman Washroom

10. Multi-storey Volume [From Main Floor to Roof]

4. Informal Meeting Space 8. Man Washroom 11. Illuminated Signage & Skylit

7. Spectator Seat

8. Makers Space

12. Stage Preparation & Stage Storage [

9. Community Kitchen 13. Change Room [Inside]

10. Performance Stage 14. Futsal Court

11. Indoor Sports Courts [Badminton & Squash Courts]

15. Basketball Court

16. Existing Pedestrian Path

17. Viewing Deck

18. Bow River

Performance People Movement - using the service elevator]

19. Riverfront Ave SW, Calgary

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THE EMERGENT SACRED Frédérick Méthot

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W E N E E D T O F I N D A W AY T O RE-ENGAGE THE SPIRITUALITY THROUGH THE COMMUNITY AND THE INDIVIDUALS.

RELIGION IN CANADA IS ON THE DECLINE. We considered that the definition of the spirituality should be a concept of cocreation between the community and the institutions. Each individual should feel welcome at their own pace.

36% of the population does not find affiliation with any existing religion.

We considered that the definition of the spirituality should be a concept of cocreation between the community and the institutions. Each individual should feel welcome at their own pace.

T H E P R O B L E M AT I C

Religious institutions are increasingly fighting for relevance. People are skeptical of the religious proclamations and the associated ritual-laden spaces. This secularization of the population is causing an important reduction in religious services attendance.

Just like during the Enlightenment, people are no longer connected to the religious institutions that are seen as opaque and deterministic. This withdrawal of religious faith, or spirituality, comes at the expense of feeling isolated.

Even with the promises of a more connected society through the evolution of technology, people are lacking the emotional connection that faith would has previously fulfilled. This feeling of emptiness had to be replaced with something else.

The capitalism system took the senior research studio: mbac

CAN ARCHITECTURE HELP FIND A NEW CONNECTION TO SPIRITUALITY?

place left empty by the religion, transforming spirituality for consumerism.

This leads to the problem that the religious buildings are facing, not being relevant anymore. They lack the funding to be able to maintain the building, leaving the institutions falling into ruin and creating uncertainty as the legacy left by those institutions to the Canadian identity.

80% of people with religious affiliation attend a service less than once a year.

T H E A LT E R N A T I V E S

There is still a yearning for meaning and spirituality that transcends the consumerism that has taken hold in our society.

Architecture has attempted to tackle this problem by creating multifaith spaces where people could come together. Those spaces are often inefficient and result in non-architectural spaces.

Architecture has to be proactive by addressing the spirituality directly, without the medium of religion. A recalibration of the spirituality is necessary and has to come from the voice of the individual and the community itself. Architecture is given the opportunity to re-engage the construction of spirituality by giving meaning to the religious buildings.

S T R AT E G I E S T O I M P L E M E N T T H E A LT E R N A T I V E

The typology of the typical religious building has to be transformed to allow for a connection and a dialogue between the community and the individual. The reconfiguration of the typology has to remove the ritual-laden process to access to spirituality often associated with religious institutions.

The buildings associated with the religions are usually built in another era, using heavy masonry or stone, creating a gap between the public space and the sacred space. By rethinking the building to be more transparent and porous, the interaction with the community will be implied formally in the building.

Creating connection between the community can then be put forward once again in line with

the values propels.

that

spirituality

The calibration of spaces is an important factor in the reconfiguration of the building.

People need to have an interest to come and stay inside the building. Usually, religious building tends to express the grandiose through the proportion and lights but use it to carry rituals. Using those technics to create meaningful space where anyone could feel connected to themselves is important.

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THE EVOLUTION OF THE CHURCH OVER TIME The church underwent many changes during the years.

None of them were changing the configuration of the sacred space, suggesting that it might not be appropriate for today’s spirituality.

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PUBLIC

LISTENING TO MUSIC

LEARNING ABOUT MUSIC

CREATING MUSIC

SERVICE

MUSIC

PARTICIPATORY

PROGRAM OF A NEW SPIRITUALITY The program is a connection between the public and the spiritual. Food, music and knowledge reach the population on different levels.

By dividing those programs in different thresholds, we offer the option to consume the program as a service or have a more participatory character.

SHARING KNOWLEDGE

SACRED

CREATING FOOD

SHARING FOOD

BUYING FOOD

PARTICIPATORY

READING/WORKING SPACES

KNOWLEDGE

RENTING A BOOK

PUBLIC

SERVICE

PARTICIPATORY

FOOD SERVICE

PUBLIC

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CONCEPTUAL DIAGRAM Keeping the dome of the church to find spirituality is important to help find the transcendental. The rest of the church is not relevant to the new mission of finding spirituality. The connection with the city is important and should be as open as possible to bring people inside. In the diagram, the yellow represents the individual, navigating his own spirituality between the profane and the sacred ‌ between the service and participatory ‌ between the public and the private.

S PAT I A L T H R E S H O L D

PROFANE

SACRED

The typology of the typical religious building has to be transformed to allow for a connection and a dialogue between the community and the individual. The reconfiguration of the typology has to remove the ritual-laden process to access to spirituality often associated with religious institutions. The new program is placed inside the heavy church envelope.

S E N S O R I A L S PAC E S As the program is divided into 3 different levels of interaction, all connecting to the sacred, we used the sense to connect those spaces. Inside the more public vocation of the building, each screen act as a visual filter, letting sound navigate the space. From everywhere, you have a visual connection to the light coming from the sacred space.

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CONNECTION TO FOOD The food program is placed at the back of the church, where originally people used to share a meal inside the gymnasium.

The space is divided into 3 levels and connects with the sacred space at the last floor.

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CONNECTION TO MUSIC Music plays an important role in the churches. We used the towers to create space that leave user the opportunity to play and create music together.

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CONNECTION TO KNOWLEDGE Spirituality is closely related to knowledge and we want to offer a variety of possibilities to access, share and develop knowledge in the building. The connection with the street is direct and would drive people to come visit the space.

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CONNECTION WITH SPIRITUALITY The sacred space is constructed by light. Everything is that space would be minimal, mostly made of translucent panels. The light would modulate the space and create different ambiance.

1ST STREET VIEW From the 1st street, you have an interesting view on the public side, where the library is located with the sacred space with the translucent material which creates a glow effect on the building.

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V I E W F R O M T H E C -T R A I N S TAT I O N From the C-Train Station, you would have access to the auditorium, where you could have a glance at people playing, listening and sharing music.

During summer, the windows of the tower would let people hear the music from outside.

We are doing an experiment.

If you are reading this line, please email methot.architecture@gmail.com.

We are betting on how many people will actually read this page.

BY LEAVING INDIVIDUALS THE ABILITY TO DEFINE THEIR OWN SPIRITUALITY Individuals will have the possibility to define how they want to explore their spirituality with different programs and different degrees of participation.

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T H E E Q U I TA B L E C I T Y CONSTRUCTING CANADIAN IDENTITY Professor: Marc Boutin + MBAC EVDS 782 - Senior Research Studio - Winter 2020 school of architecture, planning and landscape university of calgary senior research studio: mbac