Other sketch design options for the Loblaws block

DESIGN OPTIONS FOR THE LOBLAWS BLOCK
Distribution (Loblaws food store)
Food processing/consumption
(i.e. bakery, deli, restaurant)
Food production (i.e. garden)
Biogas CHP
Residential
Pedestrian-oriented streets/
squares
Retail (i.e. Joe Fresh)
Parking (decked, surface)
EO
ROD
DR.
IN
GHL
RD.
AU
McL
N
Fig. 1. OPTION 1: Keep existing structure
This option looks at a potential site design where the steel skeleton structure of the Loblaws is retained,
while the building envelope is retrofitted to be more efficient. This is in keeping with the idea that
retrofitting existing buildings is more ecologically sound than building new. However, whether big-box
structures are worth keeping, as they are not built for durability, is questionable.
Food production/residential infrastructure cannot be placed on top of the existing structure without
extensive renovation. The current footprint of the store is situated in a way that interrupts good circulation
patterns and opportunities for a more defined and active edge.
© Sarah Khalid 2012
sarahkhalid.com
Distribution (Loblaws food store)
Food processing/consumption
(i.e. bakery, deli, restaurant)
Food production (i.e. garden)
Biogas CHP
Residential
Pedestrian-oriented streets/
squares
Retail (i.e. Joe Fresh)
Parking (decked, surface)
R.
OD
E
ROD
D.
NR
LI
UGH
A
McL
N
Fig. 2. OPTION 2: Block as a mall
Option 2 considers the site as a primarily enclosed mall-like experience where certain corridors and spaces
are highlighted through skylights and atriums. Different commercial functions are connected for the
most part through interior passages. However, there is a lack of a continuous productive urban landscape
experience, especially if one experiences the site primarily from the inside.
© Sarah Khalid 2012
sarahkhalid.com
Distribution (Loblaws food store)
Food processing/consumption
(i.e. bakery, deli, restaurant)
Food production (i.e. garden)
Biogas CHP
Residential
Pedestrian-oriented streets/
squares
Retail (i.e. Joe Fresh)
Parking (decked, surface)
R.
OD
E
ROD
D.
NR
LI
UGH
A
McL
N
Fig. 3. OPTION 3: Live/work courtyard block
Loblaws and other urban agriculture and commercial units form a large podium which supports mediumdensity residential above. This alludes to the time-tested typology of live/work units on main streets. The
residential units are served by private and public open spaces, and an interior courtyard. Parking is hidden
in a decked structure in the interior.
There is a clear street edge; however there is a lack of connection to the rest of the pedestrian-oriented
network, and the courtyard space may not be very desirable. There is also a lack of continuous productive
landscape connection, and residential density is quite low.
© Sarah Khalid 2012
sarahkhalid.com
Distribution (Loblaws food store)
Food processing/consumption
(i.e. bakery, deli, restaurant)
Food production (i.e. garden)
Biogas CHP
Residential
Pedestrian-oriented streets/
squares
Retail (i.e. Joe Fresh)
Parking (decked, surface)
.
EO
DR
D
RO
D.
NR
LI
UGH
A
McL
N
Fig. 4. OPTION 4: Dispersed yet connected around a public square
Loblaws and its holdings (Joe Fresh, PC Financial, etc) are dispersed yet interconnected on the site through
visual and circulatory links. Other existing Loblaws programs (kids clothing, community kitchen, florist,
etc.) are outsourced to local businesses in the commercial spaces. The physical separation suggests an
autonomous yet interdependent relationship to the giant conglomerate, and reduces the space needed for
Loblaws food distribution. The residential units, CHP plant, Loblaws food store and a greenhouse are
physically connected, symbolizing a complete food system loop (from production to waste as energy).
Having this form the central part of the block emphasizes and celebrates this relationship. Recreational and
productive open space are interspersed throughout the block to add to the continuous productive urban
landscape on the overall site.
© Sarah Khalid 2012
sarahkhalid.com
Distribution (Loblaws food store)
Food processing/consumption
(i.e. bakery, deli, restaurant)
Food production (i.e. garden)
Biogas CHP
Residential
Pedestrian-oriented streets/
squares
Retail (i.e. Joe Fresh)
Parking (decked, surface)
N
Fig. 5. OPTION 5: Loblaws as a dispersed yet integrated entity with public space (a cross between Options 2 and 4)
The intent is similar to what is described in Option 4: Loblaws and its holding are dispersed yet
interconected on the site. This option has a stronger, more clear physical form, such as having retail
frame the roads with higher/faster vehicular traffic; and having the farmers market square come off the
pedestrian-oriented boulevard. It provides more opportunity for connecting roofscapes in interesting ways,
and the network of productive landscapes is more visible and connected (one will be able to view at least
some component of the network -- like greenery/a greenhouse -- from many points on the site).
© Sarah Khalid 2012
sarahkhalid.com