Algonquin College, Athletic & Recreation Centre (Design Competition)
Ottawa, Ontario
In Collaboration with JL Richards
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Triple Gymnasium (1,200 Spectator Seating), Indoor Track, Fitness, Sports Medicine Clinic, Meeting Rooms, Games Rooms, E-Sports Room, Golf Simulator, Climbing Wall, Bowling Alley, Concession, Bar/Lounge, Outdoor Patio, Bridge Connection to Adjacent Building
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Structural: Blackwell
Mechanical / Electrical: Smith + Andersen
Civil: JLR
Landscape: MJMA
Located in Ottawa’s west end, the Nepean campus of Algonquin College required a new 100,000sf Athletics and Recreation Centre. This proposal offers a facility serving students and staff of all abilities, with a design that also allows for a future multiple-phase expansion of the building and campus. Wrapped in variegated aluminum, translucent polycarbonate, and glazing at grade, the building presents an inviting and dynamic landmark identity that is animated by changing light and shadow throughout the day and night. Inside, the wide range of amenities is planned for clear wayfinding, with a central circulation route and inviting views between programs.
The complex is designed as an infrastructural element that defines a court with the existing Student Commons building and with an emphasis on safe transit and pedestrian arrivals. We also master-planned a landscaped pedestrian spine that would link the facility to future buildings and provide amenity spaces, including a reflecting pond that doubles as a skating rink, creating an animated all-season focal point.
The dual ‘Discovery Track’ weaves through the second level: a fully accessible Walking Loop around the perimeter provides recreational activity and delivers users to fitness opportunities, while merging and diverging with it is the more challenging Terrain Track with changes in elevation.
Views from the lobby — into the double gymnasium, along a double-height and sky-lit primary circulation route, and up to the Discovery Track and fitness spaces — invite and inform visitors as soon as they enter. The immediate offer of food, information, and relaxation in the lobby tells students they are welcome and creates opportunities for shared experiences.
The facility’s planning allows the larger of the two gymnasiums to function a 1,200-seat event space, with ticket- and crowd-control occurring seamlessly while the building’s other uses can continue unimpeded.
With a design targeting Net Zero Carbon, the facility is sited and massed for effective passive ventilation and abundant controlled daylighting. Among its other measures are integrated radiant heating and cooling and a mass timber structure through the upper level.
