Architecttura has developed the proposed building and terrace design as attached under (Appendix C) following the design principles and guidelines as outlined in the CRIP. The site itself presented four key elements that impacted the overall proposed design at this location.
Three Key Elements at the Proposed Location
The three key elements driving the design of the proposed Celestial Beacon at this location are:
1. Elevation and natural topography of the site
2. Site Servicing –existing underground infrastructure
3. Technical Considerations
1. Elevation and Natural Topography
The first design consideration is the significant grade change within the site. There is a 5.85 meter or 19 foot elevation difference between the grade on the road along Riverside Drive and the elevation of the pathway closest to the Detroit River. The entire site is sloped heavily, which has benefits as well as challenges.
The benefit of this elevation change is that following the design principles as outlined in the CRIP the building will predominantly be built into the embankment with minimal exposure above Riverside Drive. In order to house the Streetcar the building footprint itself is large however, the natural topography of the site lends itself well to minimize this impact thereby seamlessly integrating the building into the site. The building at its’ highest point is 22.9 ft. or 6.9 M. and is approx. 6458 sq. ft. or 600 sq. M. in with a green roof covering 36% of the building. There is an accessible rooftop terrace and 80% of the entire building is proposed to be built into the embankment taking full advantage of the topography and elevation change. At this location accessibility was somewhat of a challenge however, the proposed design strives to provide equal accessible routes to all amenities found within the site. The portion of the building that can be seen from Riverside Drive has a glass window that provides a sneak peak of the Streetcar to pedestrian and vehicular traffic traveling along Riverside Drive. The differential height from the roof line of the building to the centre of road is between 6 and 7 feet. This is similar to the height differential of the washroom building in Alexander Park along Riverside Drive in the east.
2. Site Servicing
Preliminary investigative work regarding existing and proposed utilities and their impacts with respect to the proposed development are as follows:
1. There is an existing 600mm storm sewer outlet and a sanitary sewer directly under the originally proposed building location. After further investigation and consultation with the City’s Public Works Department, it was recommended that the location of the building be shifted further east to avoid any potential conflicts with the existing underground infrastructure.