Arising tower by tower in a former waterfront railway yard, CityPlace remade Toronto’s skyline with its collection of new high-rise towers, and became home to over 20,000 residents. This community of Torontonians pioneering vertical living are not just young singles and “empty nesters,” but also families.
Recognizing a vital need for a missing social and educational nexus in Toronto’s booming downtown core, the new Canoe Landing Campus by ZAS Architects will house a 158,893-sf, $65 million community recreation center, public and Catholic elementary schools, and a childcare center within one campus.
Serving an important social function, the campus architecture supports a new platform for connection. In a vertical, urban community where neighbors often experience solitary lifestyles, this interaction is vital. Conceived as a social condenser, the building program was developed through multiple community meetings attended by hundreds of residents.
From the first public meeting packed with strollers and young families, it was clear this community had very unique needs resulting from a wide demographic range, the realities of living with less square footage, and the pressures on existing public space as the population grew with each new tower constructed. Faced with the challenges presented, ZAS Architects created an original architectural form that leveraged the synergies of co-locating the schools, community center, and childcare to reduce the building footprint and maximize open space.
The new campus provides an opportunity for shared community spaces, from gardening plots to basketball courts on the roof, spaces for indoor and outdoor play, a community kitchen for canning parties and cooking classes, and a gracious lobby space for neighbors to meet.
Community input generated innovative spaces such as indoor play areas geared to enhancing children’s motor skills and the creation of multipurpose rooms that adapt to both active and passive uses.
The two schools share indoor play spaces, a learning commons, gymnasium, and educational areas. The outdoor park and community rooms are accessible by all. A flexible design solution features two- and three-story buildings that anchor the east side of the park. C-shaped planning maximizes solar access while sheltering play areas from the adjacent expressway.
Bisected by a pedestrian corridor, the building connects through an elevated bridge forming an east-west gateway. One side of this link contains the community centre, with gymnasium and fitness center.
Sustainability and resiliency are prominently integrated, including maximizing green roof opportunities and an introduction of photovoltaic panels to generate 10% renewable energy to meet the highest level of the City of Toronto Green Standards. Above, the building features a dynamic, “active” green roof, complete with a basketball court, jogging track, and urban gardens.
The clients on the project are the City of Toronto & Childrens Services, Toronto District School Board, and Toronto Catholic District School Board.
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | Mar 22, 2017
Porsche Design Tower is, unsurprisingly, a car lover’s dream
The idea behind the residential tower was to provide residents with a full single family home in the sky, complete with a private garage and pool.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 15, 2017
Amenity-packed residential building is Zaha Hadid’s only NYC project
The building sits adjacent to New York’s popular High Line park and includes a $50 million penthouse.
Sponsored | Multifamily Housing | Mar 10, 2017
Bathroom ergonomics and design for a shifting demographic
Multifamily Housing | Feb 24, 2017
121 East 22nd Street will be the first OMA-designed residential building in NYC
The building will offer 133 units across its 18 stories.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 15, 2017
Multifamily sector expected to stay strong in 2017
Market watchers expect some moderation from record highs, but not much.
Game Changers | Jan 13, 2017
Building from the neighborhood up
EcoDistricts is helping cities visualize a bigger picture that connects their communities.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 11, 2017
Istanbul’s Valens Archway could be rejuvenated with “floating” housing concept
Superspace’s proposal would create a natural promenade atop the ancient stone structure.
University Buildings | Jan 9, 2017
Massive student housing project in Texas will be ready this Fall
Developers hope the early opening of some units sets the tone for the community and future rentals.
Multifamily Housing | Dec 22, 2016
Multifamily green financing programs grew rapidly in 2016
Multifamily green financing programs boomed in 2016, and are likely to continue to grow in 2017, according to the president of Partner Energy.