Light is the single most defining quality that makes this part of the tunnel system different from the rest. Coming from Machray Hall or Duff Roblin, the natural light streaming through the windows strikes one as a surprise. However, despite this, due to lack of appropriate programming, people fail to stop and use the site more fully. Yet another goal of this project was to provide reasons for people to stop and use the site.

DARK VS. LIGHT

Early experiments with lightdealt with the idea that light had the potential to highlight elements, attracting attention, and make us ‘pause’. The pauses from the Tunnel Dance that were annotated provided inspiration for potential lighting schemes.

In the new scheme the skylight provided the opportunity for more natural sunlight to penetrate the site. As it can be seen, the daylight that streams onto the site from above casts interesting patterns over the site.

REGULAR VS. IRREGULAR (PAUSE)

Later attempts at creating ‘pause’ on the site involved including programmatic elements that would provide reasons for people to stop and stay. One such element was the ‘study pit’. On the existing site, although there was adequate sunlight during the day, there was no suitable place for students to sit and study.

In the new scheme, a sunken study area was included where the previous dominant path existed. This served the purpose of both diverting the new dominant path as well as creating the option of a slower path through the site.

DIVIDED VS. PERMEABLE

Rhythm was also dealt with through attempts at creating a site that could adapt to seasonal patterns. In the existing design the walls were thick, the windows were relatively narrow, and there was a strict divide between the inside and the outside. The new design attempted to address these issues by bringing in more natural light but utilizing less bulky fenestration and including a skylight.

As well, the windows on the south facing wall were now sliding patio door style windows that could be opened up in the warmer months to allow for fresh air to enter the site and to further dissolve the division between inside and outside.