Client Fanshawe Conservation Area

Location South banks of the Thames River by the Dam, London ON

Size 18, 073 sqft

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Objective The City of London has requested a design for a public building collaborating educational exploration, public awareness and recreation.  The facility targets both youth (16+) and adult demographics. The purpose of building is to provide interactive spaces that bring the London community together to learn about sustainable practices and the importance of water conservation.

 

Solution The site chosen automatically immerses visitors into an ecological ambiance which will reflect the buildings character. Using the Dam as inspiration the building has a waterfall flowing through it and the geometrical “wave” shape can be found throughout the design to create seamless unity with the site.  The building accommodates not only the public but more specifically  mature students, educators and professionals. It houses spaces to interactively learn about innovative sustainable practices and technologies. It will also host public events and educational seminars. To achieve this the building has two exhibit spaces. One will be a permanent display educating visitors about sustainability and preservation of natural habitats. It includes a 15’ high glass enclosed ecosystem feature installation for both educational purposes and wow factor. The second exhibit space is a flexible space where different exhibits can cycle through monthly.  There is also an educational classroom where seminars can take place. Lastly there is a 250 seat lecture theatre that will host educational talks and events. Extensive research on educational engagement, museums, exhibition spaces and theatre design has been executed resulting in a sustainable, creative and functional building.

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Spaces + Features Entrance with "river-walk" feature paired with glazing looking out to river beyond creates the illusion the river is flowing right into it however it is cascading below landing in the ground floor central hub, two floor office space, employee staff room + entrance, washrooms sufficient to occupancy load, restaurant, stadium lecture room, theatre space, two lobby hubs, storage + mechanical spaces, restaurant and two exhibit spaces.​