Another interesting characteristic of the site was that it was one of the few sections of the tunnel that was not completely underground. The roof of the interior space also served as a walkway above. However, despite sharing a surface, the two spaces did not interact or connect in anyway. Walkers above had no awareness of those below.

DIVIDED VS. INTEGRATED SPACES

The new design scheme attempts to open up the site and allow for greater interaction between people situated at different parts of the site. With the skylight in place, those on the walkway above could see what was going on inside. As well, as one approached the site along the path that leads up to the door, the now permeable nature of the exterior wall allows those on the outside to see what was going on inside before they enter.

Those sitting on the rooftop on the other side of the skylight could also view down to the interior as well as to those approaching the site from all directions.

FUNCTIONAL VS. MULTI-FUNCTIONAL

Another aspect of relationship that was dealt with in the new design is that of function, specifically the potential for things to possess more than one function. In the existing scheme, seating was seating (and uncomfortable at that) and was located off to one side away from the dominant path. In the new scheme, the ramp doubles as seating and stairs. This is not only an efficient use of space, but also provides greater opportunity for people to interact.

HOMOGENY VS. DIVERSITY

In the existing design the majority of surfaces were concrete. A lot of it was left undressed and grey. This material hasn’t been completely hidden in the design, rather altered slightly through texture and color to highlight paths and intersections. On the exterior surfaces, a change in texture has been used to highlight the permeable nature of the patio windows and where paths cross.

In dealing with the interior spaces, the renovation also used material as an animator and signifier. Although there was some variation in the existing site (wooden benches, walls painted orange), the majority of the site was grey and many of the objects on the site were white, black, or grey (doors, lockers). This contributed little to enhancing a person’s experience. In the new scheme, color was used to signify activity and excitement (reds) as well as design spaces of for relaxation and focus (blues). As well, instead of hiding structural materials such as concrete, by using texture, color, and hue, paths could be drawn or highlighted, zones of activity could be separated, and a richer experience could be had by those encountering the site. Although this project has dealt mainly with form and path and how they enhance the movement experience, materiality provided the opportunity to ‘color’ the experience, as it were.