ART + ARCHITECTURE
This triangular site, completely surrounded by backyards, with a small driveway as the only access, was originally a scrap yard. David Chipperfield obtained planning permission with the aim of building a speculative office development. This was the practice’s first completed stand-alone building since rising to fame doing shops and conversions. My role was to Design and produce Construction Documents. The design intent was to create two units having an industrial, loft-like atmosphere - the kind of space the practice was looking for as a home. Once completed, the practice did indeed relocate to this new building. Because of ‘overlook’ problems and limited exterior walls for windows, most light is gained via skylights, and through glass block windows in the entry court.
This single family residence located in a suburb of Toronto was built for a family of four. Configured around three courtyards, communal and family functions are naturally organised through their relationship to the exterior. I was dedicated to Project Design, Documentation and Contract Administration.
Jenkinson – Reisman House was recognised with a Governor General’s Award in 1994.
Selected in an open national design competition, Kitchener City Hall created a centre of gravity for the cultural home of the city. Similarly, the project firmly established KPMB as the pre-eminent architects of their generation. My responsibilities included the Council Chamber Design and ancillary spaces. As Assistant Job Captain, my involvement continued through construction to deficiencies and hand-over to the owner.
Kitchener City Hall was recipient of a Governor General’s Medal in 1994.
The Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (2012) is home to several health sciences faculties, schools and departments at the University of Alberta. Configured around guiding principles encouraging a stair culture for interdisciplinary interaction and collaboration, several architectural devices such as ‘Main Street’, cascading stairs and carefully located atria provide connection and orientation to the community at large and within the new facility. Space is organised as ‘common’ or ‘assigned’ as opposed to ‘owned’ or dedicated to the use of particular individuals; faculty or student.
My project involvement endured through all phases of the project from Design, through Client Liaison and Contract Administration for Completion.
A participatory public sculptural installation on the grounds of the distinguished McMichael Collection of Canadian Art, “The Colour of the River Running Through Us” invites engagement through a movement meditation curriculum as well as haiku and renge poetry response. Supporting multi-disciplinary artist Thom Sokoloski in his debut Public Art commission, complex coordination between structural engineers, metal fabricators, facilities and operations personnel was achieved within a compressed timeframe and restricted budget. Very well received by the owners’ representatives, and critically acclaimed by its audience of participating visitors, commentators and the critical press alike. The installation was intended to remain in place during the PanAm/ParapanAm games, but proved so popular we were asked to extend its presence on the grounds for an additional year beyond the Games.