Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/178323
MORGUARD INVESTMENTS LTD. Proud steel stud and drywall installers at Uptown Shopping Centre - Phase 1& 2. storey retailers, and another above facing north at Blanshard level. "The ground loor is money when it comes to lease rates," says Ewert. "It is maximized on the ground loor, and this building has two ground loors, one on top of the other. The challenge was how to make them meet and look natural." Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.'s Chris Jacques, project engineer for Phase 2, says the design comprises three main types of structure including below-grade cast-in-place and concrete in the parkade, which was excavated through rock to be partially hidden from Blanshard Street, and precast concrete in the main street area. The team detailed full moment welded connections at the frame joints of above-grade steel-framed retail structures, which were then fabricated and welded on site to behave predictably under seismic loading. "By using these moment frames we could eliminate cross bracing and open up the storefronts and interior," says Jacques. "This provides maximum leasing lexibility and will help ensure longevity for these structures." The inal type was non-load-bearing structure supporting the complex facades, which were framed from structural steel and lightgauge steel studs. The main challenge for a structural engineer on a project like Uptown is to remain lexible in approach, says Jacques, describing unpredictable LOCATION Blanshard Street and Saanich Road Saanich, B.C. OWNER/DEVELOPER Morguard Investments Ltd. ARCHITECT Chandler Associates Architecture CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Magil/Carillion STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd. MECHANICAL CONSULTANT Cobalt Engineering ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT Nemetz (S/A) & Associates Ltd. TRAFFIC CONSULTANT Bunt & Associates CIVIL CONSULTANT Aplin & Martin Consultants LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Durante Kreuk Ltd. TOTAL AREA 310,636 square feet TOTAL BUDGET $100 million + ground conditions in Victoria. "You can have strong rock to place your foundations on, but when you move over 10 feet the rock drops away leaving you with weak clay," he says. "We provided alternate foundation systems to the construction team to allow quick changes depending on what we discovered as the digging progressed." Artistic elements were also central to the company's design. "Our client made it clear throughout the project that artwork and community engagement would be a key part of the centre," says Jacques. "There are several complex towers, landscaping features, and facade embellishments which required engineering on a iner scale than one would normally associate with retail projects." Peter Kreuk, principal with Durante Kreuk Ltd. landscape architects, says the plan to develop the public spaces truly took shape in Phase 2 providing essential connections between the buildings. The team created links between the north and south sides of the development and completed a strong edge with trees and interesting plantings to de ine the space and link it to the surrounding developments. "We added some complexity to the planting from Phase 1," says Kreuk. "We've increased the number of pots and hanging baskets for more colour and interest, and added a whole level of seasonal lowering plants that should bring colour to the space for a good portion of the year." Essential additions to the paving scheme, including UNI Concrete Pavers on the Blanshard Deck, bring more colour, texture and direction to the public realm. "From a retailer's perspective, it is really important that people feel comfortable and that it is logical to ind their way around," says Kreuk. "That in part has to do with having a lush, interesting landscape where people will spend time." The plantings are irrigated using underground rainwater collection cisterns, one of the project's many sustainable features. Uptown focuses on reducing energy and water use, incorporating recycled materials and providing access to alternate forms of transportation. "By pushing the boundaries on each of these issues collectively, Uptown is seen as breaking the mould on the generic design of shopping centres," says Juan Monterrosa, senior LEED services coordinator for Cobalt Engineering. ■ Do you have a project of interest to our readers? If you would like your project to be considered for a future issue of Award, please email: Dan Chapman, Publisher dchapman@canadawide.com NIAGARA PROTECTIVE COATINGS Distinctive Finishes For Distinctive Buildings Epoxal Stain Flooring - Retail Music Store Manufacturers of LEED-Compliant Coatings and Systems Epoxal: 100% Solids Epoxy Stains and Coatings/OVOC Kromoquartz: Seamless Epoxy trowelled overlayments and Terrazzo Liquistone: Textured, Coloured, Exterior Masonry Wall Coatings Kromotex: Decorative, Seamless Flooring System 7071 Oakwood Drive, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2E 6S5 Telephone (905) 356-1581 • Fax (905) 354-2077 1-800-461-1NPC (1672) Email: npc@computan.on.ca Website: www.niacoat.com AUGUST 2012 Uptown Shopping Centre – Phase 2 Niagara Coatings.indd 1 p.68-71Uptown.indd 71 4775 Trans Canada Hwy Duncan, BC V9L 6L3 Tel: 250-746-6251 Fax: 250-746-7634 /71 2/22/10 11:08:28 AM 7/13/12 10:28 AM