urban design brief - london, ontario · urban design brief – huron college academic building...

URBAN DESIGN BRIEF

Huron University College – Academic Building1349 Western Road, London, Ontario

April 2, 2019

HURON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE ACADEMIC BUILDING2

Urban Design Brief – Huron College Academic Building

Table of Contents

Section 1 – Land Use Planning Context

1.1 Subject Lands1.2 Proposed Development1.3 Design Goals and Objectives1.4 Urban Design Principles1.5 Spatial Analysis

Section 2 – Design Principles and Design Responses

2.1 Conceptual Design 2.2 Public Realm2.3 Sustainability

Section 3 – Supporting Figures, Drawings and illustrations

3.1 Location Plan3.2 Site Photos3.3 Spatial Analysis Plan3.4 Site Plan - Existing Conditions3.5 Site Plan - Proposed3.6 Landscape Plan3.7 Renderings3.8 Building Elevations3.9 Section Through Site3.10 Sun / Shade Studies3.11 Floor Plan3.12 Precedent Images

Client: Huron University College

Consultant Team:

architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson inc.

Ron Koudys Landscape Architects

Development Engineering – Site Servicing Engineers

Hastings & Aziz – Consulting Structural Engineers

Chorley + Bisset – Mechanical & Electrical Engineers

Ellis Don – Construction Manager


1.1 Subject Lands

The subject lands are located at 1349 Western Rd. The Huron campus shares its border with Western University on all four sides and a partial border with a residential neighbourhood in the north west quadrant of the site. A large portion of the site is located along Medway Creek within the regulated area of the Upper Thames Conservation Authority. Huron is built up along Western Road with a collection of interconnected buildings of 2 and 3 storeys, constructed at various times over the last 70 years. Huron is accessed off of Western Road at the north and south ends of the property. There is on-site parking for 405 cars. The property is well landscaped with manicured lawns and pathways to the east and north and west. The street frontage along Western Road is 310 metres and the total site area is 189,555 m2 (47 acres). The setting of Huron is pleasant and semi-bucolic, with a fine collection of buildings that compliments its neighbours and distinguishes Huron as a beautiful campus within a naturalized setting. The proposed area for construction was once a surface parking lot that was recently removed and replaced with sod and a foot path.

1.2 Proposed Development

Huron is embarking on a new 3,500 m2, two storey academic building that will integrate into the site between O’Neil Ridley Hall to the north and the southern property line facing Western Road. This project will enhance Huron’s position as a leader in the delivery of education in the liberal arts. This new build is Huron’s first new construction in 20 years and is intended to add to the beauty of Huron’s face along Western Road. Faculty, students and staff will find a naturally-lit building where classrooms, seminar rooms, student activity space, administrative offices and a 450 seat auditorium at their disposal.

The portion of the site that this building will occupy is severed by a pedestrian pathway that leads from the main campus eastward and down to a tunnel under Western Road. This change in topography is

being taken advantage of to create a dramatic approach in the form of the building. The building is pedestrian-friendly with 2 major access points on the east and west faces (both barrier-free). The majority of the foot traffic will come through the west doors. The doors facing west represent a formal entry point, that will see a small percentage of the traffic, but is placed and sculpted from the building form to announce its importance to the street. A pathway is being re-established between the new building and O’Neil Ridley Hall to the north. Three existing trees will be removed and new landscaping will enhance the building and surrounding campus. The major exterior building materials will be natural stone, clay brick, metal panels and glass—all materials which can be found on the existing structures in varying amounts.

The building is neatly placed to provide a strong street presence. The building takes its shape and siting from the existing buildings and the topography.

1.3 Project Goals and Objectives

The design objectives of the proposed development include a building site design that:• Visually strengthens and improves the streetscape along Western Road, and the neighbouring Huron facilities and overall campus;

• Introduces a well-conceived solution that blends a modern touch with respect for the past through building scale and material choices;

• Creates a strong and identifiable image for Huron University College in a manner that supports the mission of Huron;

• Provides a user-friendly experience and design that promotes accessible and safe interaction between the site and the street, and

• Utilizes the existing site in an intelligent and efficient manner so as to enhance the property and street edge.


1.4 Urban Design Principles

The following relevant Urban Design Policies are set out under Section 11.1 of the Official Plan and are addressed as follows:

11.1. i) Natural Features

The regulated open space which occupies over 60 percent of the site to west and north will remain untouched. The proposed site is limited in its area and will occupy a former surface parking lot.

11.1. ii) Open Views

The design is such that the building will help frame views from around the site and will improve the views North and South along Western Road by creating a strong urban edge that will be transparent in the night.

11.1. iii) High Design Standards

Huron is committed to developing a high-quality building that is in-step with their standing in the broader university campus setting. Recognizing the importance of Western Road as a major artery, a significant effort has been undertaken in the building form, scale and material selection. The material palette of stone, brick, and glass will be complimentary to the Huron campus.

11.1. iv) Streetscape A significant effort has been made through building placement and landscaping to improve the definition of the Western Road streetscape at this site.11.1. v) Access to Sunlight

The design and positioning of this building is such that it has minimal

shadow impact on adjacent buildings throughout the year. Refer to the attached sun/shadow study.

11.1. vi) Landscaping

Landscaping is used to: define the Western Road edge; define the perimeter; highlight the front entrance and forecourt; and to accent the pedestrian routes through and around the site.

11.1. vii) Parking and Loading

The existing 405 space surface parking lot will remain unchanged and a discreet receiving area has been placed on the north side of the building.

11.1. viii) Waste Management

Provisions for waste management and recycling have been provided for in the adjacent existing building through the use of existing equipment and space.

1.5 Spatial Analysis

The subject property has roughly a 50/50 split zoning of RF and OS5 The proposed use of this facility is compliant with the current City of London Zoning By-Law No Z-1. The subject land sits within a well established regional facility corridor. The active frontage along Western Road is approximately 310 meters. The site is well served by public transit, as well is within walking distance to several amenities and services.

1.5.1 Community Context (800 m)Within the 800 m radius, the community context includes more of the same uses.


1.5.3 Neighbourhood Character and Compatibility

The subject property is continuing a higher education use on the site which has been in place for over half a century. The existing Western University and Brescia College campuses could not offer a more compatible use.

1.5.4 SWOT (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats)

Strengths: • The site is an under-utilized parcel of land. • The site design incorporates features and building materials that will raise the level of design in the area. • The development will be a catalyst for future campus improvements. • The site is located on a public transit corridor and is within walking distance of several amenities and services. • The proposed development is consistent with the policies under the current Official Plan and regulations within the Zoning By-Law.

Weaknesses: • None.

Opportunities: • The subject lands were once brownfield and have left a void in the streetscape. • The subject lands are in an ideal location for the intended use.

Threats: • None.

1.5.5 Conclusion

The proposed development for the subject lands are consistent with the existing surrounding area and provides a logical development in the growth of the Huron campus. The subject lands are well located with respect to the existing regional facility uses, other services and amenities.

2.1 Conceptual Design

Huron University College is a liberal arts institution with roots established in London more than 155 years ago. The proposed new 3,500 m2 academic building is the first new structure to be built on the campus in 20 years and will provide students, faculty and staff with a state-of-the-art facility neatly placed along Western Road.

The selected portion of the site drove a great deal of the building’s form. The new building will in essence create a new face for Huron along Western Road and establish a ceremonial front door which is linked to Western Road by way of a large sweeping arch pedestrian pathway. The east face of the structure will present a mix of glass, brick, stone and metal panels that bridge the past and the present. Behind the large glass facade will be seen the brick clad 450 seat auditorium / theater. The rake of the floor of the auditorium allows the building to cantilever over pedestrian walkway that links Huron’s campus to Western’s campus under Western Road. This bold and confident move will present an iconic face to Western Road and enhance Huron’s presence on Western Road. The building will fill a void at this end of the campus. The geometry of the building is aligned with the O’Neil Ridley Hall to the north and allows for a pedestrian walkway between the two buildings which builds on an existing network of walkways. This North face of the building has been proposed to be clad with stone and brick so as to complement the architecture of O’Neil Ridley Hall.


The flemish bond coursing of the brick is also a nod to the O’Neil Ridley building. The west face of the building closes the gap between O’Neil Ridley Hall and the single-story dining hall. Above the entrance door and acting as a canopy, is the boardroom with a large floor-to-ceiling picture window that is focused to the landscaped quad, providing a dramatic form to the south facade in the auditorium which has been cantilevered over the winding pedestrian pathway, imbues a modern feel to the building and also provides weather protection to pedestrians. This large cantilever is supported in the southwest corner by a 3-story, stone clad stair tower which will be utilized to announce Huron University to the south. There are two roof terraces (one on the west side and one on the east side) that will help to animate the building facades. Movement within the building will be on display to the east as the grand stair proceeds upward from the main lobby to the upper auditorium. Natural light is being brought deep into the building through a large 2-storey interconnected floor space. It is also through this space that the building is linked to the exterior on the west, east and south sides.

2.2 Public Realm

This project addresses the public realm by creating a strong street presence on Western Road and a public forecourt in front of the building. The building has been designed to be experienced from inside out. Great care has been taken to ensure the building gives back to the public realm through its transparency and fine craftsmanship.

2.3 Sustainability

The following sustainable strategies will be included in the design:

• Reduced storm water run-off

• Water efficient landscaping

• Reduce energy requirements through efficient building systems

• Provide storage and collection areas for recycling (O’Neil Ridley)

• Utilize recycled content in building materials

• Use regional materials

• Use rapidly renewable materials

• Use low V.O.C. emitting materials

• Increase natural ventilation effectiveness

• Exceed required indoor air quality performance


3.1 Location Plan

Huron University College


3.2 Spatial Analysis Plan (800 m)

Brescia College

Western University


800

m

WESTERN

ROA

D


3.2 Spatial Analysis Plan (400 m)


400

m

WESTERN

ROA

D


3.3 Site Plan - Existing Conditions

O’Neil Ridley Hall

WES

TERN

RO

AD

Dining Hall

Proposed Site


3.4 Site Photos

1. Aerial view looking West.

1

2

3

456

7


2. View Northwest from Western Road.

3.4 Site Photos

3. View North from site.


4. View of Dining Hall.

5. View South across the site.

3.4 Site Photos


6. View East across the site.

7. View East from the “Quad”

3.4 Site Photos


3.5 Site Plan - Proposed

PRINCIPAL ENTRANCE FORMAL ENTRANCE

New Academic Building


Student Services Building

Dining Hall

WES

TERN

RO

AD


3.6 Landscape Plan - Proposed

PROPOSED 2 STOREYACADEMIC BUILDING

RECEIVINGENTRANCE

W E

S T

E R

N

R O

A D

P E D E S T R I A N

W A L K W A Y

TUNNEL ACCESS BELOWACROSS WESTERN ROAD

PROP

ERTY

LINE

PROPERTY LINE

EXISTING SIDEWALKTO REMAINEXISTING CONCRETE

SIDEWALK

EXISTING CONCRETESIDEWALK TO REMAIN

HEATED CONCRETE SIDEWALK

CONCRETESIDEWALK

EXISTING SIDEWALKTO REMAIN

CONCRETESIDEWALK

DN

EXISTING STAIRTO REMAIN

EXISTINGSIDEWALK

LINE OFBUILDINGABOVE

LINE OF BUILDING ABOVE

CONCRETESIDEWALK

ASPHALT

EXISTING CONCRETESIDEWALK

TURF PAVERS

FFE 256.75M

LINE OF BUILDINGABOVE

PROP

ERTY

LINE

DN

EX. GAS METEREX. WINDOW WELL

PROJECT WORKINGPOINT

EXISTINGASPHALT

EXISTINGSOD

EXISTING SOD

LINE OF BUILDINGABOVE

EXISTING FIRE ACCESS ROUTE TOREMAIN

EX. UTILITY POLE

EX. UTILITYPOLE

EX. HYDROTRANSFORMER

B.F. ENTRANCE

GAS METER

SLOPE

FIRE ROUTE SIGN

ANNUNCIATOR PANELB.F. ENTRANCE

EXIT

ENTRANCE

EXIT

EXIT

CONCRETESIDEWALK

256.2

5

256.0

0

255.7

5

255.5

0

255.2

5

255.0

0

254.7

5

254.5

0

254.2

5

253.7

5

254.0

0

ROLLOVER CURB

BOLLARD

EXISTINGASPHALT

RELOCATEDEX. FLAG POLE

CONCRETEENCASED COLUMN

FIRE DEPARTMENTCONNECTION

EXISTING PLANTER

EXISTINGSTONEPAVERS

LANDSCAPE CONCEPT PLAN

KEY MAP


3.7 Renderings

View Northwest across Western Road.


3.7 Renderings

View Southwest from Western Road.


3.7 Renderings

View looking East from the “Quad”.


3.8 Building Elevations

East Elevation

North Elevation


3.8 Building Elevations

West Elevation

South Elevation


3.9 Sections Through Site

Section A

Key Plan

Section B

A

B




Dining Hall


Stud

ent S

ervic

es B

uild

ing

Wes

tern

Roa

d

Western Road


Student Services Building


3.10 Shadow Studies

March 21 at 1:30pm June 21 at 1:30pm

September 21 at 1:30pm December 21 at 1:30pm


3.11 Floor Plan - Level One

Welcome Centre

Seminar

Stage

Main Entry

Auditorium

Formal Entry

Exit Stair

Office Classroom Student Activity

Main Lobby


3.11 Floor Plan - Level Two

Seminar Room

Seminar Room Control Booth

Stage

Exit Stair

Roof Terrace

Classroom Offices

Roof Terrace

Open to Below

Lounge

Auditorium

Board Room

urban design brief - london, ontario · urban design brief – huron college academic building...

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