Guildford’s “Urban-Formation” is a design using integrated techniques that takes itself from a sustainable standpoint without being outwardly “green”, using sustainable hydro-sun collection and considerate material selection to programmatically decelerate and humanise the corner of 152nd street and 104th Avenue in Surrey, Vancouver, Canada.

DESIGN CONCEPT:

Since shopping and traffic heavily affect the current site, our proposed design offers a space for recreation, leisure activities, and tranquility, with the added bonus of collecting energy (both sun and rain) using the proposed louvre system integrated within the design of the building and walkways.

The sustainable intent is to create a zen to balance the corner. Re-landscaping the area greens the area and provides a buffer system in reducing the noise from the main streets, while parallel to the greening of the area, the embedded photovoltaic louvres act like a power generating plant- which produces five times the electricity energy that is used to power the entire site, the proposed theatre space,pedestrian lighting in the park, recreational areas, as well as space for cultural entertainment and common events, within the urban-plan.

The multilevel platforms intertwine over the entire site like an organic and interactive organism. Ramps, stairs and bridges are connecting the single leaves with each other. Each platform is covered with photovoltaic rain roofs, producing energy and giving shelter from any weather condition. The skin of the theatre, inspired on the coat of arms emblem of Surrey, is photovoltaic as well. Additionally, this new network around the theatre contains wind turbines, which are able to use the wind of every direction, optimized on the area.

Finally, on the zero level are big park areas for cyclists and pedestrian. The site offers a many sport activities like biking, ice-skating, running and basketball, while The main building, on the corner of 104th avenue and 152nd street together with the flag present a new gateway function for Surrey.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATION:

The design is intended to be constructed of Bio-Luminum and Bio-Glass window Panels. The Bio-Luminum tiles are made from salvaged parts from retired airplanes and are an excellent long-lasting and high-strength material. Bio-Glass is engineered from recycled glass with no additives or colorants. Both materials will contribute towards LEED certification.

The flooring and the recreational platforms are made of the British Columbia four predominant hardwood species: red alder, bigleaf maple, western white birch and trembling aspen. These species are native to the area, and create unique intimate places for picnics, chats and tranquility of space for relaxing after visiting the shopping mall.

Project Team:
Sue Y Biolsi, Wendy W Fok, Jenny Chow, Vasilis Raptis (Intern)

Design Collaborator:
Jasmin Dieterle

Project Date:
January 2010

PUBLISHED:
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