Halifax Common Aquatics Facility
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Client : City of Halifax
Program : Outdoor Aquatic Centre (Lap Pool, Leisure Pool, Universal Changerooms), Pavilion (Multipurpose Room, Kitchenette), Outdoor Program (Plaza with Water Features, Outdoor Pool Deck, Tree Grove, Outdoor Gathering Space)
Associated Architects : Abbott Brown Architects (Architecture) / Brackish (Landscape)
The new Halifax Common Aquatics Facility has been designed as a park pavilion, placed and designed to support many of the park’s activities and events. The main entrance that leads to both the seasonal Pool Change Room building and year-round Pavilion is through a large open passageway which is at the crossroads of walking and multi-use trails. This helps create new connections through the Commons from Cogswell St. and Bell Road. A centralized entrance brings day and nighttime activity to the heart of the Common. The building footprint has been minimized to preserve precious park space, while its design is meant to integrate with the surrounding landscape to create an amenity easily accessed within the park.
Outdoor spaces are designed to provide a rich, textured and varied landscape, creating distinct intimate and collective areas. A grove is created south of the building with abundant trees and seating. The splash pad is the centerpiece of this space and has been re imagined as a series of illuminated water jets with variable flow patterns; engaging to the young and old alike. The landscape design is central to the experience of the pool, with a shaded wood decked lounging area and a grassy slope for basking in the sun both integrated into the pool deck.
The new facility creates new opportunities for recreation in Canada's oldest park, offering a chance for Haligonians to enjoy a beach-like setting without having to leave the city's core.