GUELPH CIVIC ADMINISTRATION CENTRE

GUELPH CIVIC ADMINISTRATION CENTRE

Our winning design for this city hall competition focused on clarifying, revealing and incorporating Guelph’s historic city hall (circa 1856) and the remnant stone wall – initially part of the winter fair building – that was entombed within the abandoned arena on this city hall site.

By using the two existing entrances on the winter fair wall as markers, we were able to organize the horizontal and vertical circulation of the addition as well as its mechanical and washroom distribution, in one simple design move. Perpendicular to those entrances, the addition’s major programmatic elements became layered like a series of parallel bars: exterior forecourt, reflecting pool, glass foyer, winter fair wall, atrium, administration departments and rear courtyard. As such, the addition became an interweaving of historical elements and new municipal requirements, using the winter fair wall, with its two entrances, as a formal architectural guide.

To keep the street view focused on the historic city hall, the new addition was set back further from the street and was partially screened on its front side with newly planted maple trees. The historic city hall also becomes the main focus from Guelph’s highest point – Our Lady Immaculate Church – thanks to the effects of its reflective, water-filled roof. This watery roof, along with the reflecting pool and glassy addition, all become a virtually invisible glittering reflection of light on sunny days, allowing the adjacent old city hall to stand out as the predominant building.

To the forefront of the historic city hall and its addition is a narrow multi-purpose courtyard to be used for public and city hall events. To increase the size of this narrow exterior courtyard, we chose to pave the adjacent street (Carden Street) in the same honed granite as the courtyard. As such, where large public events require more space, Carden Street can be closed off, thus extending the courtyard right up to the existing buildings across the street.

LOCATION: Guelph, Ontario

ARCHITECT: Adamson Associates Architects

DESIGN LEADERSHIP: Michael Poitras,
Partner-in-Charge of Design (Adamson)

COMPETITION: First Place

CLIENT: City of Guelph

STATISTICS:

  • No. of storeys: 3
  • Total floor area:
    130,000 ft2 (12,077 m2)
  • Below grade parking: 42 stalls
    (including 3 barrier-free)

MATERIALS:

  • Limestone (textured & honed)
  • Silver curtain wall windows & doors
  • Copper roof & fascias
  • Black fascias & balconies (interior)
  • Wood soffits & ceilings
  • Perforated metal ceilings (silver)
  • Etched glass panels
  • Wiarton stone courtyards
  • Outdoor landscaping

GENERAL PROGRAM:

  • Council chamber
  • Mayor’s office
  • Councillors’ offices (8)
  • 3-storey atrium/indoor public space
  • Administration offices
  • Café
  • Public outdoor terrace (3rd floor)
  • Reflecting pool/skating rink
  • Modern glass clock with historic bell
  • Outdoor public space
  • Loading docks: 2

LEED: Silver

COST: Withheld

COMPLETION: Project