Natatorium

Comprehensive Studio
University of Toronto, 2nd year MArch
Rhino, V-Ray, Illustrator, Photoshop
Partner work

A new focal point in the Golden Mile neighborhood, the Natatorium attempts to create a new public space which will compliment the upcoming development as detailed in the Golden Mile Secondary Plan. Located between Eglinton Avenue with its future LRT train route on the south and the verdant Hydro Corridor on the north, the intervention will create both a social as well as a circulatory link through an aquatic centre. Inviting the public to take part in the space, the natatorium houses an Olympic-size pool and a teaching pool indoors while also offering an outdoor leisure pool inside a sunken courtyard. The building also accommodates supporting facilities such as a strength training gym, exercise rooms, saunas, restaurant, gift shop and a café.

The design comprised of three staggered volumes that represent three different environments. These are positioned according to the context of the surrounding buildings to differentiate public vs. private attitudes as well as offer various views and glimpses both from the project outwards as well as from the different locations in the neighbourhood at the building itself. The volumes are connected by a spine-like corridor, which functions as a transition piece and offers its own, fourth environment internally, however ties the project together externally. The three volumes are embedded 4-meters into the ground and are engulfing a sunken courtyard that is visible from all points in the project as well as from the street above. The volumes are nested inside a folding topography which compliments the different volumes in a way that allows visitors to experience the project from richer angles and elevation points.