field trip

A recent project has me researching the principles of acoustics in spacial design. I visited the University of Victoria's Phillip T Young Recital Hall on a recommendation from a friend and was moved by the sound quality, layout and comfort of the space. See below for sketches and images from my visit.

My timing could not of been better as a masters violin student was practicing her art.

Phillip T Young Recital Hall

take off eh - spanning Canadian water part 3

An update from last months post...."bridges eh - spanning canadian waters part 2"
The CMLC (Calgary Municipal Land Corporation) with public consultation
has selected 3 of the 37 original proposals to move into next stage of development.

out of the 37 submissions 2 of my top 5 made the CMLC's shortlist of 3.
and the bridges are....

my pick to win
submission #29
RFR (Paris, France) and Halsall (Calgary)
This design appears to grow from the banks of the river, skipping across the surface effortlessly from shore to shore.

Submission #15
my second choice
ARUP with Falco Schmitt Architects (London, UK)

Submission #17
Buckland and Taylor LTD. (Vancouver) and Kitchell Architecture and Design (Victoria BC)

Congratulations to Victoria's
kitchell - architecture + design for making the top 3

last months post here

bridges eh - spanning canadian waters part 2

conceptual design competition - st. patricks bridge, calgary

“CMLC [Calgary Municipal Land Corporation ] has been charged with the responsibility of implementing public infrastructure improvements that will be the catalyst for private and public sector development in the Rivers District with a focus on East Village. The design and construction of a pedestrian/bicycle bridge - St. Patrick’s Bridge - is an important component of the infrastructure improvements in the Rivers District. CMLC has initiated a competitive process for the conceptual design of the pedestrian/bicycle bridge which crosses the Bow River and provides crucial links between the communities on the north and south of its banks with city attractions, amenities and pathway systems." Source: Nicolas Marier

There were 35 submissions, here are my top 5.

RFR (Paris, France) and Halsall (Calgary)

ARUP North America Ltd. (San Francisco, CA) and Kasian architecture and Interior Design and Planning ltd. (Calgary)

Endres Ware (Berkley, CA) and Amman & Whitney

ARUP with Falco Schmitt Architects (London, UK)

thank you to my mate Andrew G at
DeJong Design Associates Ltd. for forwarding me the competition details.
see below for the proposal prepared by DeJong + KTA Structural Engineers (Calgary)









For a closer look at all 35 submissions please visit the
Calgary Municipal Land Corporation

Leona Drive - A Public Access + LOT Project

While reading Saturday's Globe and Mail I spotted this article and thought it warranted a closer look.

The Leona Drive project - An installation of site specific artwork in houses slated for Demolition.

"This landmark project brings together Canadian artists, high school students, developers, curious neighbours and local politicians to open up dialogue around urban planning and city life." via leonadrive.ca

images by Charla Jones via The Globe And Mail

The Leona Drive Project runs to Oct.31, open daily, 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. with artist talks each day at 1 and 6 p.m.
for a more in depth look at the project please visit leonadrive.ca
+ be sure to check out LOT Project + Public Access Collective

vintage printed matter

I found this treasure of local botanical literature tucked away at a secondhand bookshop here in downtown Victoria.

Printed by Charles F Banfeild, Printer to the Kings Most Excellent Majesty
1925

The subject matter of the manual was prepared by James R Anderson, veteran naturalist, and one of the leaders among the pioneer botanists of British Columbia.

cblstudio makes Landscape Architecture Magazine

For more information please visit:

Landscape Architecture Magazine online
www.asla.org

To preview or purchase a digital copy of this months issue visit:
www.zinio.com

Revitalization at the VanDusen Botanical Gardens

Vancouver's VanDusen Botanical Gardens has been offering its visitors refuge from increasing urbanization for over 30 years. Internationally renowned sustainable landscape designer Cornelia Hahn Oberlander, in combination with Architecture firm Busby Perkins + Will, have been selected to provide an innovative and inspirational facility to ensure its success well into the future.

overview

The building's five-petal roof will be partially covered with solar panels and green roofing.
The roof system will also collect and process rain water.

main entrance

elevation

Living Building Philosophy

At the heart of the Living Building concept is the belief that our society needs to move quickly to a state of balance between the natural and built environments – to define the highest measure of sustainability possible in the built environment based on current thinking.

The Living Building elements have been attained in many projects around the world – just not all together. It is hoped that VanDusen’s project will accomplish this.

Site
It is understood that the buildings would cause no negative impact. The idea is to reverse the trend of land degradation and invite nature’s functions into a healthy interface with people and buildings.

Energy
A living building relies on current solar income. The building’s energy needs would be supplied by on-site renewable energy on a net annual basis

Materials
Those used will be safe, healthy and responsible for all species.

Water

A Living Building is water independent. The plan is for 100 percent of VanDusen’s occupants’ water use to come from captured precipitation or reused water that is appropriately purified without the use of chemicals. Water would be cleaned using juncos, iris and carex grown in the garden.

Indoor Quality

Healthy for all people – the design will focus on the major conditions that must be present for a healthy interior environment to occur.

Beauty & Inspiration
A Living Building Tells a Story. As a society we are often surrounded by ugly and inhumane physical environments. This project will contain design features intended solely for human delight and the celebration of culture, spirit and place appropriate to the function of the building.

perspective main entrance

conceptual master plan for VanDusen Botanical Gardens

for more information please visit:
busby perkins + will
vandusen botanical gardens