HAJARA NIDA HAMEED
P3 Design Development:
The Canoe Museum



The given site is positioned along the intersection of Church Street and Lombard Street. The site is programmed to allow for the construction of a commercial building as a museum. The feature of this museum was to highlight canoes and kayaks. The intent of the museum was to enhance the visitor’s knowledge in the craft of canoes. This is shown through various aspects of the museum, including the façade and the interior spaces. The façade of this building was created from the centerpiece of a typical canoe frame, this was then used as a structure to support a curtain wall made of Kalwall and clear glass. The clear glass is used to expose public areas that do not need uv protection and the kalwall is used for exhibits in areas with artifacts. The contrast between the glass gives the impression of the strips of the canoe. The glass curtain wall is held together using a cable system with spider connection. The spider connection gives the idea of tension and compression in joints, while the ceiling assembly gives the impression of a canoe by highlighting the large and small ribbed components.

The main feature of the museum is the centered atrium, the canoes and framework are hung at various heights showcasing their level of completion. Looking up the atrium shows canoes going from frames on the first floor to completely built on the fourth floor. As one makes their journey up the atrium, they get the expression of flotation is perceived through the hung up canoes and glass stairs. Upon arrival of the fourth floor there is a feature water wall, and as one looks down the atrium, they see the restoration shop in which canoes are fixed, rebuilt, or touched up. The overall experience of the museum is to engage visitors to understand and enjoy the crafts of canoes and kayaks.



Toronto Metropolitan Department of  Architectural Science Toronto, CA.