Toronto, ON, Canada
The creation of this new community centre symbolizes a bright era for the residential population it currently serves. Previously operating from an existing elementary school, the re-development of this site creates a 50,000 s.f. community centre within a re-vitalized neighbourhood park. Located in the North York area of Toronto, the project addressed many of the growth issues experienced by a City in transition.
This being the case, the project is distinguishable for it’s attempts to mend a fragmented urban fabric both architecturally and socially, becoming a beacon that supports the City’s plans to encourage development along its Avenues. The facility is organized to provide a high level of access to community programs and events, becoming the community’s focal point. Conceptualized in a T-shaped plan form, the building provides the backdrop to an urban forecourt, as well as a contrasting neighbourhood entrance court.
A double-height lobby links both major entrances of the two-storey building as well as provides an informal assembly space at its nexus. The flexible characteristics of the design are evident in its overall planning as well as its detail. Multi-purpose rooms and art rooms are a major component of the building’s program supported by athletic functions that include a gym, exercise room and aerobics studios.
In accordance with the City’s environmental ambitions, the centre was designed to LEED Silver standard and achieved Toronto Green Standard 2.
Client
City of Toronto
Size
50,000 s.f.
2 Storey Facility
Program
Gymnasium with Running Track
Exercise Room
Aerobics Studios
Various Multi-Purpose Rooms
Preschool Centre
Youth Lounge
Seniors Lounge
Sustainable Features
The project team used LEED and Toronto’s Green Development Standard as design tools
Green strategies were focused on five areas:
Energy (projected 40% energy savings)
Water (rainwater storage, low flow fixtures)
Green Sites (a green roof and walls, native drought-resistant planting, green parking lot strategy)
Indoor Environmental Quality (low off-gassing materials, displacement ventilation, daylit spaces)
Education (signage and displays explain green features and suggest ways for users to green their own homes).
Articles
“New Edithvale Community Centre open” Toronto Star, Dec 2010