WINNER OF A 2021 CANADIAN ARCHITECT AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
There?s a clarity to the architecture of this large-scale recreation centre. The building is structured around a linear street which unites a sequence of activity spaces, leading fluidly from one function to the other. The site planning offers a high degree of attention and planting; paired with the internalized street, these design decisions redefine the building?s suburban context. There?s a robust net zero strategy, which is especially challenging in a building with an aquatic centre that requires continuous energy use to heat the pools. The architects also described a convincing community engagement strategy. –Jury Comment
To optimize the connectivity of the site, the community centre is designed as a long, narrow volume flanked by an outdoor multi-sport court and fitness area. Although community centres are by their nature large consumers of energy and water, Western North York Community and Child Care Centre (WNYCC) aims to be a net zero energy building containing Canada?s first net zero energy aquatic facility. But wait, there?s more: this project?s urban design agenda is just as compelling as its sustainability targets. This ?conduit for community? is situated between two infrastructurally divided suburban neighbourhoods. The WNYCC links them together through the creation of a new linear urban park.
All of the building?s major public spaces are lit by linear skylights which also organize the main circulat...