UNDERGRADUATE
Joechelle Faye Bonifacio—Minto Sustainability Award in Architectural Science![]()
Joechelle Faye Bonifacio—Minto Sustainability Award in Architectural Science
About the Award:
This award is for a student in architectural science for an outstanding studio project with a focus on sustainable design.
The proposed Aqua Centre follows the concepts of rebuilding and restoring the public realm and street life that once existed in James Square, Hamilton. The present James Square podium limited pedestrian presence and accessibility at the street level. The Aqua Centre is an opportunity to rethink the city by enhancing and restoring public courtyards, and the revival of strong landmarks, frontages, and street life.
The challenge was to develop an Aqua Centre that offers therapeutic and large-scale pools with indoor and outdoor connections that implements sustainable features. The design process began by exploring geometric and repetitive forms that respond well to the transparency of the programs. Located by Bay St. with a surrounding internal courtyard, the site provided new opportunities for strong frontages. The use of heavy and lightweight timber material is evident in the free-standing envelope that follows a repetitive geometric pattern, creating a dramatic internal landscape that enhances structural rigidity.
The celebration of light is emphasized through the elaboration of glazing and skylights in the folds of the envelope and roof. The geometric openings created an illusion of transparency present at the ground and upper levels of the building, catering to the relationship between the indoor pools and outdoor programs. The slopes and form of the envelope respond to the collection of rainwater, used for low-flush toilets and irrigation systems. Greatly enhancing the functionality of the envelope through sustainable applications.
This award is for a student in architectural science for an outstanding studio project with a focus on sustainable design.
The proposed Aqua Centre follows the concepts of rebuilding and restoring the public realm and street life that once existed in James Square, Hamilton. The present James Square podium limited pedestrian presence and accessibility at the street level. The Aqua Centre is an opportunity to rethink the city by enhancing and restoring public courtyards, and the revival of strong landmarks, frontages, and street life.
The challenge was to develop an Aqua Centre that offers therapeutic and large-scale pools with indoor and outdoor connections that implements sustainable features. The design process began by exploring geometric and repetitive forms that respond well to the transparency of the programs. Located by Bay St. with a surrounding internal courtyard, the site provided new opportunities for strong frontages. The use of heavy and lightweight timber material is evident in the free-standing envelope that follows a repetitive geometric pattern, creating a dramatic internal landscape that enhances structural rigidity.
The celebration of light is emphasized through the elaboration of glazing and skylights in the folds of the envelope and roof. The geometric openings created an illusion of transparency present at the ground and upper levels of the building, catering to the relationship between the indoor pools and outdoor programs. The slopes and form of the envelope respond to the collection of rainwater, used for low-flush toilets and irrigation systems. Greatly enhancing the functionality of the envelope through sustainable applications.
