Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/493534
Meadows Community Recreation Centre and Library; Edmonton office of DDB Canada; Physical Activity and Wellness (PAW) Centre at the University of Alberta. A PR IL 2015 | 9 Group2 Architecture Interior Design Ltd. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY GROUP2 ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR DESIGN LTD. in September of 2013) and Meadows Community Recreation Centre and Library (completed in December of 2014 in collaboration with Perkins+Will). The former is a simple horizontal slab sitting atop a seemingly delicate network of glazing and thin pillars. The latter facility has clean faces and extensive glazing that redefines the traditional recreation centre experience. Again, these remarkable designs evolved as structures that accommodate spe- cific usage rather than the other way around. Northgate required the incorpora- tion of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles: open public spaces, high-quality lighting, surveillance, clear sightlines and access control; these elements encourage transit passengers and neighbouring businesses to uti- lize public areas in and around the facility during the day and night. By responding to these needs first, Group2 determined that public safety trans- lated into plenty of glass and clean lines. Before long, the rectangular slab was decided upon, and the street-level glazing makes the entire structure seem as if it's floating in the air. Another priority with Northgate was to establish it as a landmark in a highly urban area, to ensure people understand its intended purpose at a glance. Making it two-storeys tall, with a lot of colour and whimsical movement communicates its intention clearly. Its design promotes human interaction and establishes a sense of community – another deterrent to criminal activity. For Meadows, the task was to acknowledge the different activities that would be contained in the facility, make clear delineations between them, and above all avoid making end-users feel like they are swallowed by a large-scale facility. Box- like structures provided the delineations, and massive glazing helped make interi- ors seem like part of the exterior surroundings. When Award caught up with Webber and Ramsey, they were busy with a host of projects. Webber, along with fellow principals Troy Smith and Laura Plosz, are working on no less than 18 schools in Saskatchewan alone – a province Group2 first set up shop in just five years ago. Ramsey, along with principal Anneliese Fris are focused on the Capilano Library in collaboration with Patkau Architects. Webber and Ramsey were good natured and talkative, but hovering over the pro- ceedings was the dramatic plummet in oil prices, which has tempered enthusiasm throughout the West. "This year is shaping up to be a good one based on our perfor- mance in 2014," says Red Deer-based Webber, to which Edmonton-based Ramsey adds, "The first half will definitely be good. The second half is full of unknowns, in terms of both public and private sector work."