Urban Design Principles

Transcription

1 Urban Design Principles As part of the conceptual design process, alternatives were examined with respect to a set of design principles for the project. The principles were articulated and discussed by the project team during design and incorporate City of Vancouver, client and design team goals with respect to massing and formation of the project. These principles are used to inform the proposed concept as well as to provide a basis for all major aspects of the design process moving forward. Repair Urban Fabric: Repair void in existing neighbourhood fabric Activate Streetscape: Bring retail to building face at base to activate streetscape Public Open Space: Establish public open space on W Georgia St Optimize South Face: Maximize retail activity at south face and add connected outdoor space 36 THE CONCEPT

2 Activate Usable Public Realm: Rotate plaza to maximize southern exposure and connect to sidewalk through an active useable public realm feature Heritage Relationship: Establish specific identity for new uses that relate to and respect heritage podium Sun Shadows: Consider sun penetration on-site + adjacent context Cartesian Grid: Use existing building structure and respond to cartesian nature of Heritage Structure. Building Height: Respect height limits generated by view corridors crossing the site Street Identities: Commercial identity along W Georgia St and a residential identity along Homer St, Hamilton St + Dunsmuir St. Retail at street level around the building, with a high street identity along Homer St. 37

3 Model Development A variety of formal relationships were explored throughout the design process. Developed in tandem with a series of governing principles and programmatic relationships the massing became clarified, resulting in the proposed form. 38 THE CONCEPT

4 Massing Strategy Due to the low level institutional uses to the east of the site, the setback on W Georgia St and open spaces on Dunsmuir St, the site is highly visible within the local urban landscape. The consideration of the massing was driven primarily in response to the existing heritage podium to create a dynamic proposal contrasting the existing concrete building. The massing proportions were also informed by the proximity between programmatic elements as well as height restrictions on the sight. Light and views become optimized at multiple scales including the spacing between the buildings, terraced roof top and angled facades. Cues were taken from existing features in the heritage podium to establish a relationship while still 1 Internal courtyard and public space along W Georgia St 2 Lift massing to emphasize contrast between old and new 3 Create openings to define program elements and allow sun penetration emphasizing a contrast between existing and new. 4 Sculpt building volumes to create dynamic forms and optimize light and views 5 Terrace roofline 6 Establish a vertical cadence by angling the building profile, also optimizing sunlight access and views 7 Anchor the massing by creating a relationship to the podium along W Georgia and Dunsmuir 39

5 Contextual Inspiration CANADA POST BAR CODE 40 THE CONCEPT

6 Architectural Expression CONTRAST The design inspiration is informed by contrast forms. The Post on Georgia seeks to both distinguish itself and be compatible, subordinate, and respectful towards the existing heritage building. This is achieved by not attempting to replicate or assimilate, but rather differentiate the new buildings above, contrasting with the existing heritage podium in both form and materiality. 41

7 Vertical Playful Asymmetric Horizontal Regimented Symmetric The heritage podium has a strong horizontal expression typical of high modernism. The proposed massing above has a vertical expression. The existing heritage podium has an regimented gridded expression. The proposal introduces a varied and playful massing. Each elevation of the existing heritage building is completely symmetrical. The proposed massing above is asymmetric. 42 THE CONCEPT ARCHITECTURAL EXPRESSION

8 Dynamic Post-Industrial Light CANADA POST Static Industrial Heavy The existing heritage podium has an uninterrupted cornice line at a consistent elevation. The proposal introduces an undulating dynamic skyline to the top. The existing heritage podium was designed and operated as an industrial building. The proposed rehabilitation and new elements above reflect a mixed use post-industrial program. The existing heritage podium is rendered with extensive solid heavy materials. The new elements above are primarily glass for a contrasting light appearance. 43