“THE PARK” HISTORICAL BUILDING REVITALIZATION · THESIS STATEMENT. PERSONAL STATEMENT. A1. PROBLEM STATEMENT. A2 A3. The Memorial Park Library represents Calgary’s history and

“THE PARK” HISTORICAL BUILDING REVITALIZATIONSenior Thesis Project

DIDS402 I Senior Thesis 3 I Professor Lauren PilloteAcademy of Design at RCC Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Interior Design

Deanna Christensen I December 18, 2015

THESIS STATEMENT

PERSONAL STATEMENT

A1PROBLEM STATEMENT

A2

A3

The Memorial Park Library represents Calgary’s history and a body of knowledge, which, like language, is a continually evolving communication, requiring revitalization in order to maintain its relevancy and connection within its community.

With a layer of contemporary style and function, this Thesis proposes an adaptive re-use, which provides spaces that reinvigorate community interaction and connection, while preserving the building’s original integrity and sharing information on its historical importance to the City.

The City of Calgary will soon open its doors to a brand new, world-renowned central library offering the latest in technology and services within its 240,000 sq.ft footprint. This $245 million facility is highly anticipated and is located only 7 city blocks from the existing Memorial Park Library branch. The Memorial Park Library is one of Calgary’s few historical buildings but currently sees minimal foot traffic due to its limited offerings, which doesn’t provide the “bells and whistles” that many patrons are vying for today. In order to reclaim its relevancy and generate a new audience, this facility requires a transformation, which will inevitably retain and promote its historical importance to visitors, grounding its significance and identity well into the future.

The issues that can arise as part of an adaptive re-use of this type of historical facility are:-Existing load-bearing infrastructure.-Prominent stylistic and historical features.-Access to the building amenities (ie. barrier-free and vehicular accessibility).

NEW CENTRAL LIBRARY DESIGN (2018)(Designed by: Snøhetta and DIALOG)

MEMORIAL PARK LIBRARY BRANCH (1912)

I was exposed to this building when I had my first job at an architectural firm, looking at the replacement of the existing carpeting and paint colours. Perhaps it was its rare stylistic features or representation of our City’s early beginnings but I have loved this building ever since I can remember. The site is unique and is a living monument to the contributions of both Calgarians and of the Canadian people. It represents prosperity in economics, education, military, and it serves to symbolize the civic determination that has broadened our prairie city into a cosmopolitan center.

“THE PARK” HISTORICAL BUILDING REVITALIZATION

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A4BUILDING INSIGHT + CONTEXT

Memorial Park Library

Fountain

Memorial Statue

“The Boxwood Cafe”

Ceremonial Site

First BaptistChurch

SheldonChumirHealth Centre

Site Vicinity MapSITE DETAILS:-Symmetrical arrangement of walkways, lawns and bedding plants and ornate landscaping; -Formally designed raised beddings with brilliantly coloured plantings; -Orientation of most statuary and memorial elements on the park’s central axis; -The 1914 equestrian statue, The Horseman of the Plains, commemorating the South African (Boer) War, located in the centre of the par’s oval;-First World War Memorial, added in 1924, located at the east end of the park in front of the library; -Cenotaph and accompanying benches, added in 1928, located at the west end of the park; - Federal Geodetic Survey marker, added in 1928, located at the east end of the park’s oval;

-Water fountain commemorating the 50th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, added in 1930; -R.B. Bennett memorial south of the library building, added 1953 (not located on the central axis); -Eternal flame memorial located to the east of the cenotaph, added 1967; -Royal Canadian Legion Commemorative Medallion located to the West of the cenotaph, added 1994; -Second World War memorial, Burma Star, located near the cenotaph, added in 1996; -Memorial to the Australian and New Zealand armed forces located near the cenotaph, added in 2004; -Wrought iron lampposts and bollards throughout the park

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A5USER + CLIENT PROFILE

Client ProfileA Calgary based commercial developer seeks to bring an opportunity to the city’s downtown by providing a symbolic core, whose very being will assist in becoming the systemic and artistic kernel of the city’s presence. A city’s center, its nucleus, is usually the profound basis of its economic hub, an asset of industry and consumptive ancillaries, which creates a relationship between business and its people. The very basis of this prospective re-development is to re-define the very nature of this relationship, to transform theurbancorefromaplaceofprimarybusinessandeconomicinteractionstoareflectiononwhyandhowthisrelationship even began.

User ProfileAsawhole,there-developmentofthisbuildingisintendedforallages.Whilethefinediningexperiencemaybecenteredon mature patrons, the museum and art gallery are intended to be a destination for the general public of all ages and abilities,gradeschoolfieldtrips,postsecondarystudentsandfamilies. “ThePark”-FineDining.Itisadistinctiveandtrendylocationthatfocusesonfinediningbutremainscenteredonits sustainable core values: locally grown and raised food sources. Catering to foodies and those that appreciate quality ingredients, “The Park” is an eatery which brings together business professionals and artists from their 20’s and onward. “TheGallery”-Opportunity.Thisvenueassistsinsupportingthelocalartistscene,cateringspecificallytoCalgarianamateurs, those whose talent is distinctly unique and showcases the very spirit of the city’s philosophical presence as a sustainable environment conducive to artistic inspiration. The Gallery is an opportunity to discover hidden talent, for studentstoobserveandwitnesspiecesofart,tocriticizethestructureandunderlyingbasisofinfluence,andtospeaktothe artists themselves, to create an interactive community that eliminates the chasm between Subject and Object. “The Window” – History. This museum is distinctly Calgarian, its artifacts and its displays a window to the city’s past. Ifoneistoexperienceacity’spresent,itoftentakesunderstandingacity’spasttorealizeandrecognizethesignificantpatterns of and similarities we share with our forebears that lets us understand history is not so much a monolithic circumstance as it is a cycle of learning, of continuous progress. Here we witness Calgary’s economic past, the roots and foundationuponwhichthecitywasbuilt,providingusamirrortoreflectwhatwe’vebecomerelativetowhoweoncewere. The Window will be a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to experience time travel, and to return to the presentwithafirmappreciationofourancestryandtheirmanyachievements.

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B1DESIGN CONCEPT


The original concept of this thesis project was to provide a narrative that connects past, present and future. As design development was further refined, the project was able to retain these key ideals in the following ways:

Historical Preservation: This is not only contributed through the functions of the spaces but also the aesthetics that are envisioned for the completed project.

The museum is the connective tissue to the past by enabling the visitor to travail current spaces, to exist in the moment, but devote his or her attention to the perceptive qualities of the past inherent to the monuments on display. Museums have always served as retrospective symposiums whose purpose is to not only teach the past, but to learn from it, to carry in each visitor’s continuous venturing that the modern context from which he or she gauges the lessons being taught remain infused as contiguous building blocks of progress.

It was imperative that the details of both the exterior and interior remained a key focus when envisioning the final design.

AESTHETICS: Even with the merging of modern conveniences and finishes throughout the project, there is a great importance in the preservation and retention of a majority of the exterior and interior detailing. Existing windows, crown molding, trim details, door hardware and terrazzo flooring will firmly remain rooted in early 20th century aesthetics.

KNOWLEDGE: The importance of retaining the ties with history is evident with the inclusion of the museum on the second level, ensuring that patrons not only enjoy to experience Calgary’s history but that such knowledge is retained through the interactive process of newer technologies.

Connective Time lines:Having the myriad of these three distinct components within one building is about providing a unique experience for the visitors. Functioning as singular entities or as complementary services, these three components create a communal experience allowing for the preservation of both the past, present and future to be that much more effective.

Time is in essence the function, both primary and figurative, of each component in this project: in creating a threefold purpose for the location, time’s linearity helped to break down and define the motivations inherent to the final design. Time, like the Memorial Park Library, can be categorized in its own lineal trilogy of the Past, Present and Future. The Library itself, as it was built and as it has existed prior to this re-purposing, highlights as a general platform that its suitability and sustainability in the City of Calgary is a result of its historic ornamentation, the neoclassical pearl embedded within the context of a growing metropolitan city. It exists now as a paradox, a building out of time since it represents a step backward, a movement away from what is modern, an ant viewed from the glass high rises skirting its block. The Library is the very embodiment of the Past, and thus serves the perfect function as an arterial access to the city’s heritage. By accommodating this telescopic role, the Library serves to benefit the Present by sustaining its patrons’ hunger, both for knowledge and food, offering in its academic role the opportunity and convenience to partake in the city’s cuisine, an art form of the culinary type.

Creating a narrative of our interpretation of history, to preserve the PAST,

yet influence the significance of the FUTURE, while occurring in the PRESENT.

HUMANIZING TIMEU

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B4 B4


FOCUS AREA: Basement - Dining Room

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PT1 PT2 PT5

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BASE1

DINING TABLE

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HDWD1

B4 B4


FOCUS AREA: Basement - Dining Room

THIS IS A COPYRIGHT DRAWING AND SHALL NOT BEREPRODUCED OR REVISED WITHOUT WRITTEN

PERMISSION AND MUST BE RETURNEDAT COMPLETION OF WORK OR UPON REQUEST.

THE CONTRACTOR SHALL CHECK AND VERIFY ALLDIMENSIONS AND REPORT ALL ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

TO THE ARCHITECT PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION

DO NOT SCALE THIS DRAWING

THIS DRAWING SHALL NOT BE USED FOR CONSTRUCTIONPURPOSES UNTIL SO APPROVED.

STAMP/SEAL

1/4"= 1'-0"

1A5.0

DINING ROOM

1/4"= 1'-0"

2A5.0

BAR

1/4"= 1'-0"

3A5.0

LOUNGE

1/4"= 1'-0"

1A5.0

DINING ROOM CON'T...

1/4"= 1'-0"

4A5.0

TYPICAL WASHROOM VANITY

DINING ROOM INTERIOR ELEVATIONSNo Scale







STAMP/SEAL

1/4"= 1'-0"

1A5.0

DINING ROOM

1/4"= 1'-0"

2A5.0

BAR

1/4"= 1'-0"

3A5.0

LOUNGE

1/4"= 1'-0"

1A5.0


1/4"= 1'-0"

4A5.0








STAMP/SEAL

1/4"= 1'-0"

1A5.0

DINING ROOM

1/4"= 1'-0"

2A5.0

BAR

1/4"= 1'-0"

3A5.0

LOUNGE

1/4"= 1'-0"

1A5.0


1/4"= 1'-0"

4A5.0


SOUTH ELEVATION

NORTH ELEVATION

WEST ELEVATION

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SSUR3

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B4


FOCUS AREA: Basement - PatioThe wood trellis and garden enclosure represented in the rendering is minimal in its design approach to not obscure or overpower the existing building details. It is intended to be simple, not overly detailed, providing a complimentary and contemporary design component. This structure also provides the necessary support structure for the whimsical string of lights that illuminates the patio during the evening.







STAMP/SEAL

1/4"= 1'-0"

1A5.0

DINING ROOM

1/4"= 1'-0"

2A5.0

BAR

1/4"= 1'-0"

3A5.0

LOUNGE

1/4"= 1'-0"

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1/4"= 1'-0"

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PATIO TABLE & CHAIR F16 PLANTERS 55 FENCING

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FOCUS AREA: Basement - Bar+LoungeThe lounge was laid out to optimize the number tables that could be provided in the space. I integrated the same built-in banquet seating along the south wall of the lounge as I did in the dining room, to provide some continuity from one space to another. I felt that two person tables were more appropriate for this space, as they could provide the most flexibility for both small and medium sized parties. With the retention of the existing passenger elevator along the north wall, it provided a natural delineation and layout for the size and shape of the bar. In total the design can accommodate for 15 people within this space.

BASEMENT KEYPLAN1/16” = 1’-0”

BAR + LOUNGE- ENLARGED FLOOR PLAN1/16” = 1’-0”

LOUNGE

BAR

ART GALLERY OVERFLOW STORAGE

ELEV.

WASHING STN./DRY STORAGE WOMEN MEN

ELEV.

B4


FOCUS AREA: Basement - Bar+LoungeThe acoustic plaster ceiling, crown moulding, and potlights shown in the dining room continue seamlessly into the bar and lounge area. An assortment of styles, shapes and heights of white and gold pendant fixtures hang over the bar area for aesthetic interest, while the lounge area provides a singular contrasting brass fixture over each table.

BASEMENT REFLECTED CEILING PLAN KEYPLAN1/16” = 1’-0”

BAR + LOUNGE - REFLECTED CEILING PLAN1/16” = 1’-0”

LOUNGE

BAR

ART GALLERY OVERFLOW STORAGE

ELEV.

WASHING STN./DRY STORAGE WOMEN MEN

ELEV.

RENOVATION CEILING PLAN - BASEMENT FLOOR1/8" = 1'-0"A2.0

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F12

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FOCUS AREA: Basement - Bar+Lounge

LOUNGE INTERIOR ELEVATIONNo Scale







STAMP/SEAL

1/4"= 1'-0"

1A5.0

DINING ROOM

1/4"= 1'-0"

2A5.0

BAR

1/4"= 1'-0"

3A5.0

LOUNGE

1/4"= 1'-0"

1A5.0


1/4"= 1'-0"

4A5.0








STAMP/SEAL

1/4"= 1'-0"

1A5.0

DINING ROOM

1/4"= 1'-0"

2A5.0

BAR

1/4"= 1'-0"

3A5.0

LOUNGE

1/4"= 1'-0"

1A5.0


1/4"= 1'-0"

4A5.0


BAR INTERIOR ELEVATIONSNo Scale







STAMP/SEAL

1/4"= 1'-0"

1A5.0

DINING ROOM

1/4"= 1'-0"

2A5.0

BAR

1/4"= 1'-0"

3A5.0

LOUNGE

1/4"= 1'-0"

1A5.0


1/4"= 1'-0"

4A5.0


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BRICK VENEER

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F12

DINING TABLE

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BAR UPHOLESTERY

BAR STOOL

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B4 B4


FOCUS AREA: Basement - Wine CellarThe wine cellar is a feature area that represents sophistication with it’s acoustically sealed and temperature controlled room. The walls are clad in brick veneer and wine bottles are supported by extrud-ed gold rods, mounted into the wall. Wall washing LED light fixtures are provided in the ceiling to illuminate and highlight the textured wall surface.


WINE CELLAR- ENLARGED FLOOR PLAN1/16” = 1’-0”


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WINE CELLAR- REFLECTED CEILING PLAN1/16” = 1’-0”

WINE CELLAR INTERIOR ELEVATIONNo Scale

WINE CELLAR

OFFICE

NORTH ELEVATION

WINE CELLAR

OFFICE

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BRICK VENEER 56

HDWD1

MOBILE TABLE/CART

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C1

F3

F9

B4


FOCUS AREA: Basement - Office


OFFICE - ENLARGED FLOOR PLAN1/16” = 1’-0”


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OFFICE - REFLECTED CEILING PLAN1/16” = 1’-0”

OFFICE

HDWD1

HDWD1BASE1

PT1 PT2

TASK CHAIR

DESKING SYSTEM

B5 B5


FOCUS AREA: Main Floor - Gallery Area

MOBILE ARTWORK DISPLAY

B6 B6


FOCUS AREA: Second Floor - Exhibit Area

MOBILE INFORMATION DESK

Documents

“THE PARK” HISTORICAL BUILDING REVITALIZATION · THESIS STATEMENT. PERSONAL STATEMENT. A1. PROBLEM STATEMENT. A2 A3. The Memorial Park Library represents Calgary’s history and