UNILOCAL

CONNECTIVE ARCHITECTURE

Ioana Palade

3 NEIGHBOURHOODS

16,000 RESIDENTS

ONE CITY [FOR ALL]

Tucked into the folds of overwhelming vehicular infrastructure, UNILOCAL employs several key strategies in its reclamation of leftover land. Capitalizing on the potential along the Bow, the architecture addresses physical connection of various demographics to the downtown core, as well as social connection to ‘place’.

APPROACH

Tackling the architectural manifestation through a

systemic understanding of connection at various scales

leads to a 3-pronged proposal. Phase I supports the formal

expression of unification at various scales, Phase II, and Phase

III looks forward in time, to the implications of UNILOCAL.

PHASE I

PHYSICAL
infrastructural realignment
PHASE II

SOCIAL
activating land uses
PHASE III

GROWTH
triggered organic development

NORTH - COMMON LEVEL

Using a programming-informed column logic creates opportunity for connecting structure to the architecture on a more functional scale.
NORTH - MAKERSPACE

Extensive glazing and purposeful views make spaces on the ground floor feel pavillion-like, inspiring creativity and encouraging passerby attention.
NORTH - BIKE LEVEL

With no interior floorspace on this level, the glass-enclosed bike path is supported by interfacing with 5 main columns.
NORTH - EAST BIKE APPROACH

This elevated approach allows bikers uninterrupted passage through, while simultaneously challenging that desire with views of active spaces, beckoning slowing down and engaging.
NORTH - RESIDENTIAL LEVEL

6 residential suites and semi-private common spaces offered for artist occupation on top floor.
NORTH - NORTH APPROACH

Abstracted arcade arches sweep down to the ground as the roof deforms from the weight of the overpass, thus creating light in a space often dark. Inviting pedestrians in and piquing curiosity from those in motor vehicles, this northern façade boldly suggests UNILOCAL’s public purpose.
SOUTH - COMMON LEVEL

Boasting over 2000m2 of commerce floorspace, the south plaza offers residents and visitors a space to interface, explore, and connect with the community.
SOUTH - MARKETPLACE

Providing the foundational architectural language, structure, and functional (storage) space, the massive column array also provides programmatic delineation and wayfinding. An abundance of light infiltrates the market space, creating a vibrant interiority.