Urban Design Brief for:

City of London, Harris Park | Canada 150 Pavilion Project

Prepared By:

120 Wellington Street, Suite 102 | London | Ontario | N6B 2K6

p: 519.601.6274 | info@matterinc.ca | www.matterinc.ca
For:

City of London
300 Duerin Avenue | London | Ontario | N6B 1Z2
August 5, 2016

August 5, 2016

City of London Planning and Development

P O Box 5035
206 Dundas Street
London, Ontario N6A 4L9
Attn
Re:

Members of the Urban Design Peer Review Panel

Harris Park Bandshell | Canada 150 Pavilion

Dear Members of the Urban Design Peer Review Panel,

Please accept this letter as our formal application for Urban Design Review of
the subject lands noted above. Attached you will find the required proposal
summary and relevant information for this development.
We look forward to sitting down with you and your team to review this
submission and clarify our design strategy. Please kindly provide our office
with a day and time when we can be scheduled for review. Should you require
additional information please do not hesitate to call or email our office directly.
Respectfully submitted,

Steven D. Cooper

Phil Sharron

M. Arch. (Hons.), OAA, LEED AP (BD+C)

President | Founding Partner

Dipl. Arch. Lic. Tech. OAA

Vice President | Founding Partner

matter architectural studio inc.

120 Wellington Street, Suite 102
London, Ontario, N6B 2K6
Canada
P:
@:
W:

519.601.6274
info@matterinc.ca
www.matterinc.ca

Table of Contents
Cover Letter
Table of Contents

i
ii

Section 1 | Analysis and Design Principles

01

1.1 Existing Site Description

1.2 Design Goals and Objectives
1.2.1.
Project Goals
1.2.2.
Massing Goals
1.3 Design Response to City Documents
1.3.1.
City of London - Zoning
1.3.2.
City of London - Ocial Plan
1.3.3.
Urban Design Policies
1.3.4.
City of London Facility Accessibility and Design Standards
1.4 Spatial Analysis
1.4.1.
Regional Spatial Analysis Plan
1.4.2.
Site Spatial Analysis Plan

Section 2 | Development Option and Response

08

2.1 Conceptual Design

2.1.1.
Site Design
2.1.2.
Massing and Articulation
2.1.3.
Built Form (Proposed Elevation)
2.1.4.
Architectural Treatment (Material Palette)
2.1.5.
Signage
2.2 Public Realm
2.2.1.
Proposed Perspectives

Appendix
A.1 Contextual Photos
A.2 Inspiration Photos
A.3 Artist Rendering of Primary View
A.4 Heritage Alteration Permit Application (Positive Recommendation received)
A.5 City of London Topographic Survey
A.6 Conceptual Site Plan

16

SECTION 1
Analysis and Design Principles

Matter Architectural Studio Incorporated

1.1 EXISTING SITE DESCRIPTION

ZONING
Open Space Zone Variation 4

AREA
46,955 sm (Site)
278.7 sm (Proposed Stage)

EXISTING CONDITIONS
Open grassy areas, asphalt pathways,
picnic tables, deciduous trees, river
front.

Existing Sculpture

Entrance to Park (at

Queens Ave.)

Existing Bandshell
(Circa 1990)

For UDPRP Review

Urban Design Brief: Harris Park | Canada 150 Pavilion

1.2 DESIGN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

1.2.1. PROJECT GOALS

HIGH LEVEL:

Renovation of
Existing Pavilion

Upgraded Pavilion
Features

Celebration &
Inspiration

+2,000 sf addition to existing.

3,000 sf base structure.

barrier free design, new

landscaping / ramps,
and revised paths.

reinforce community and

sense of place at Harris
Park for all.

PROJECT SPECIFIC:
LONDON

CANADA 150

July 1st, 2017

A Cultural Symbol for

London & Canada

Capture the Spirit

of the Canada 150
Celebration

Help London Celebrate

Canada in 2017

Flexible &
Adaptable
Space

Strong &
Proud

Environment
of Civic
Pride

a space for multiple

types of functions.

create a place where the

diversity and culture of our
city and nation can be proudly
brought together.

provide a space for

Londoners to celebrate
this important
milestone in Canadas
history.

For UDPRP Review

Matter Architectural Studio Incorporated

1.2 DESIGN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

1.2.2. MASSING GOALS

The Shard

Embracing the Park

Framing Views

infuse branding of
Canada 150 into the
design by utilizing
the shard as a main
inuence for the
structures massing

redirect the main stage

to face the primary
park lands (avoid facing
towards the path only)

use the fractured wall

shape to frame views (to
and from performers /
speakers)

Sound Control

Barrier Free

along with our Acoustic

Consultant, use the
fractured wall and sot
shapes to control sounds
/ vibrations

review and inclusion

of The City of Londons
Facilities Accessibility
Design Standards for
ramps, railings, etc.

Use of colour to tie

pavilion into Canada
150 branding!

Macro & Micro Scale

Re-Use

review current pathway

system in Harris Park
and provide proposed
new routes (Phase 2)

where possible
reuse existing stage,
foundation, and paths as
part of new design.

Storm Water
Management
create natural and built
opportunities to contain
storm water on-site.
For UDPRP Review

Urban Design Brief: Harris Park | Canada 150 Pavilion

1.3 DESIGN RESPONSE TO CITY DOCUMENTS

1.3.1 - ZONING:
Currently, Harris Park is zoned as OS4 (Open Spaces). This designation is one of the
most restrictive open space zone variations. However, since the project is simply
expanding on the current intended use of the existing bandshell we do not foresee
zoning to be an issue with respect to the proposed development.

City of London
Zoning and
Ocial Plan

City of London
Urban Design
Policies

1.3.2 - OFFICIAL PLAN:

The City of London Ocial Plan, Map No. 5, indicates Harris Park as an open space
within the context of the City Plan. That being said, this project does not call for an
Ocial Plan amendment. Furthermore, this project continues to add positively to the
public realm by creating a new structure that not only ts into the ocial plan but also
augments it by creating a larger capacity for the current intended use.

1.3.3 - URBAN DESIGN POLICIES:

The following policies outlined in the City of Londons Ocial Plan (Section 11.1) have
been accounted for as part of our development proposal:
Natural Features: Natural grading and ramp system to access the bandshell, new
undulating walkways / paths;
Tree Preservation: A report to identify and protect trees will be undertaken;
Open Views: The structure has been designed to maximize transparency and open
views to/from the stage;
High Design Standards: The bandshell has been designed to provide a legacy
piece of Architecture for the City of London. One whose character is unlike
anything in the region. Additionally, we envision a contemporary structure that will
t in with the concepts presented as part of the Back to The River narrative.
Landscaping: Natural features will be utilized on-site to enhance the building
character from the open areas and pathways;
Building Positioning: The bandshell has been positioned to take advantage of the
vistas within Harris Park. It will also provide a sense of inclusivity to those taking
in a performance/and those performing;
Enhanced Accessibility Standards: See Section 1.3.4 below.

1.3.4 - CITY OF LONDON FACILITY ACCESSIBILITY AND DESIGN STANDARDS:

A primary driver for this project is to enhance and provide barrier free access to
the bandshell stage for all Londoners. As such, our oce has reviewed the F.A.D.S.
document and will continue to work on the incorporation of accessible:

Walkways;
Ramps;
Paving;
Railings/Guards.

F.A.D.S.

For UDPRP Review

Matter Architectural Studio Incorporated

1.4 SPATIAL ANALYSIS

1.4.1. REGIONAL SPATIAL ANALYSIS PLAN

AREA OF WORK

LANDMARKS

N
6

For UDPRP Review

Urban Design Brief: Harris Park | Canada 150 Pavilion

1.4 SPATIAL ANALYSIS

1.4.2. SITE SPATIAL ANALYSIS PLAN

AREA OF WORK

LANDMARKS

FUTURE PATH EXTENSIONS

N
For UDPRP Review

SECTION 2
Development Option and Response

Urban Design Brief: Harris Park | Canada 150 Pavilion

2.1 CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

2.1.1. SITE DESIGN

RE-ORIENT
Re-orient position of Pavilion to the open space
for improved audience capacity and viewing
experience.

VISIBILITY
Ensure Pavilion can be seen and experienced from
multiple locations in Harris Park and across the
Thames River.

ACCESS
Connect existing pathway to Pavilion and
accessible ramp. Extend pathway through park to
bring pedestrians to Pavilion from multiple sides.

N
For UDPRP Review

Matter Architectural Studio Incorporated

2.1 CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

2.1.2. MASSING AND ARTICULATION

1. RE-USE
Remove portion of existing structure
and retain existing platform

2. REVISE STAGE
Incorporate existing platform
into new concrete stage

3. INTEGRATION INTO THE LANDSCAPE

Raise topography on performance side of
bandshell to remove metal guardrails

4. RAMP ACCESS
Add hardscaped, b.f. accessible, ramp from
existing pathway to stage platform

5. EXTRUDE
raise bandshell massing. tailor height to
accommodate possible performances

6. CONTINUOUS PROMENADE

7. RATIONALIZATION OF THE ROOF

the proposed roof and sot will have a
precise geometric form to optimize sound
quality, SWM and constructibility
10

Open front and back of pavilion. Angle

sides to orient the sound performance,
provide lines of sight and stage area

8. PERFORM, PLAY, LISTEN,

EXPERIENCE, AND ENJOY!
For UDPRP Review

Urban Design Brief: Harris Park | Canada 150 Pavilion

2.1 CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

2.1.3. PROPOSED ELEVATIONS

WEST ELEVATION

EAST ELEVATION

NORTH ELEVATION

SOUTH ELEVATION
For UDPRP Review

11

Matter Architectural Studio Incorporated

2.1 CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

2.1.4. ARCHITECTURAL TREATMENT

Vicwest metal
panel AD300 on
interior walls and
ceiling

Concrete

12

Vicwest metal
panel Tradition 100
on exterior walls
and roof

Steel Columns
and Beams

Painted steel tube

section

Armor Stone
Retaining Wall

For UDPRP Review

Urban Design Brief: Harris Park | Canada 150 Pavilion

2.1 CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

2.1.5. SIGNAGE

Backlit Sign Box

(City of London
Logo)

Stainless Steel
Raised Pin
Lettering

For UDPRP Review

13

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2.2 PUBLIC REALM

2.2.1. PROPOSED PERSPECTIVES

14

For UDPRP Review

Urban Design Brief: Harris Park | Canada 150 Pavilion

2.2 PUBLIC REALM

2.2.1. PROPOSED PERSPECTIVES

For UDPRP Review

15

SECTION 3
Appendix

A.1 CONTEXTUAL PHOTOS

A.2 INSPIRATION PHOTOS

Key Plan:

05/30/16

NO. DATE:

DRAFT REVIEW

TEAM 1

ISSUED FOR:

BY:

THE CONTRACTOR SHALL CHECK AND VERIFY ALL DIMENSIONS,

DATUMS AND LEVELS PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF WORK. ALL
ERRORS AND OMISSIONS TO BE REPORTED TO THE ARCHITECT
BEFORE PROCEEDING.
THIS DRAWING IS NOT TO BE SCALED FOR THE PURPOSE OF
VERIFYING DIMENSIONS.
ALL DRAWINGS, SPECIFICATIONS AND RELATED DOCUMENTS ARE
THE COPYRIGHT PROPERTY OF THE ARCHITECT AND MUST BE
RETURNED UPON REQUEST. REPRODUCTION OF DRAWINGS,
SPECIFICATIONS AND RELATED DOCUMENTS IN PART OF WHOLE
IS FORBIDDEN WITHOUT THE ARCHITECT'S WRITTEN PERMISSION
THIS DRAWING IS NOT TO BE USED FOR BUILDING PURPOSES
UNTIL COUNTERSIGNED BY THE ARCHITECT.

SEAL:

Matter Architectural Studio Inc.

108 Hawthorne Road
London, Ontario, N6G 2W8
p: 226.678.3044
www.matterinc.ca

Project Title:

CANADA 150 PAVILION

HARRIS PARK, LONDON
ONTARIO
Harris Park, London, Ontario
Sheet Name:

CONCEPT - SITE PLAN

Scale:

AS SHOWN

Project No:

16-002
Sheet No:

A100

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Steven Cooper | Phil Sharron

matter architectural studio inc.
120 Wellington Street, Suite 102
London | Ontario | N6B 2K6
p: 519.601.6274 | e: info@matterinc.ca
www.matterinc.ca