Contract Magazine - January/February 2019 - 69

The massive wood roof is comprised of SPF glulam beams, purlins, and decking.
It is the central compositional element that ties everything together. Color is another
important component, with spice tints like saffron yellow, turmeric red, and basil green
adding warmth and accent to the interiors. "By using culturally inspired colors and
patterns, we hoped to make the architecture more relatable to the local residents,
many of whom are completely new to Canada," Balmer explains.
The partnerships between the community, leaders, and architects have made
this center a true public gathering spot. "The space creates the feeling of inclusion.
We're happy that people want to stay here," says Deborah Walker, Markham's director
of library strategy. c

The word Aaniin means welcome in Ojibwe, a fitting moniker that celebrates
Markham's heterogeneous population. With 58 percent of its 355,000 residents
identifying as immigrants, Markham is one of the most diverse cities in Ontario,
Canada. To accommodate its varied citizenry, civic leaders wanted to provide a
gathering place that could easily house multiple learning and recreation facilities.
Architects from Perkins+Will's Toronto branch were tapped to design the
building, which boasts an impressive array of amenities and designated areas for work
and play. Community engagement was a key part of the process, with input from
locals gathered in dozens of focus groups and town hall meetings about the types
of areas that were wanted most. Indeed, it is a plan that's worked, with the library
now hosting 45,000 visitors a month.
With comfortable spots for senior citizens and an indoor playground for
younger children, there are spaces for all ages and abilities. "Families are coming
in, two and three generations. There's a sensory room for children with autism
or other spectrum disorders," says Mary Creighton, director of recreation services
for the city of Markham.
The design team created an open-concept layout connected by mezzanines
with a central common area, a contemporary version of a town square that can hold
up to 350 people. Visitors can watch Bollywood films or sporting events on a large
screen, and a demountable stage is used for dancing or musical performances,
surrounded by amphitheater-style seating steps.
A main thoroughfare runs the length of the building, connecting amenities
like an aquatics center, fitness center, library, and teaching kitchen. In the library,
people are encouraged to study within a range of individual and group breakout
rooms, create in the makerspace, or read in one of the various lounge and seating
areas. Glass panels rather than walls provide transparency. "Visual access throughout
the center creates a level of comfort and connection, making the programs and
activities feel more open and inviting," says Duff Balmer, Perkins+Will design principal.
Markham officials wanted to make sure that the center would not only hold
the latest equipment or furnishings, but also be inviting to the city's refugee
population. There is a community hub area used by local associations to provide
health workshops, employment assistance, and family services. Having all of these
resources in one location has helped asylum seekers adapt more easily to their
new home. "More than 25 agencies are using the center, and we have strong
partnerships with youth and senior organizations," notes Creighton.

Project Credits

Selected Sources

Architect and interior designer
Perkins+Will
Architecture project team
Phil Fenech, principal; Duff Balmer,
design principal, interiors; D'Arcy Arthurs,
managing director; Doug Warren, senior
architect; Amin Ebrahim, architectural
staff; Martin Chow, architectural staff;
Joginder Dhanjal, architectural staff;
Malcolm Choy, architectural staff; Anwur
Habib, architectural staff; Stephane
Gaulin-Brown, architectural staff; Jim
Huffman, architectural staff; Yehia
Madkour, architectural staff; Ashley
Mckay, architectural staff; Devon Miller,
architectural staff; Lauren Clack,
architectural staff; Blair McCarry,
architectural staff; Tammy Zhang,
sustainability; Rebecca Holt, sustainability;
Stan Bury, specifications; Tamara Schmidt,
contract administration
Interior design project team Michelle
Sta-Ana, interiors; Joanne D'Silva,
interiors; Paula Swanborough, interiors;
Hala Akkawi, interiors; Tabitha McCallum,
interiors; Nathalie Zegarra, interiors
Contractor Bondfield Construction
Lighting Crossey Engineering
Engineering CH2M Hill (structural);
Smith + Andersen (mechanical)
Electrical Engineer Crossey
Engineering
Kitchen Second Generation
Landscape Fleisher Ridout
Graphics Knight Signs
Acoustician Swallow Acoustics

Paint Dulux
Laminate Formica/Wilsonart; Trespa
Drywall Georgia Pacific
Masonry walls Owen Sound
Ledgerock Ltd.
Folding partitions Corflex
Ceramic wall tiles Royal Mosa; Centura;
Stonetile
Ceramic mosaic tile American Olean
Fabric wrapped acoustic tiles
Acoustex-Koroseal
High-density composite panel Trespa
Wood slats Second Generation
Millwork Second Generation
Architectural concrete block Richvale
York Block
Metal composite panels Pollard
Hard flooring Unicom Starker; Floor
Gres; Vitra; Action Flooring Systems
Resilient flooring Forbo
Carpet/carpet tile Tandus Centiva
Synthetic sports flooring Robbin
Sports Surfaces
Ceilings Nordic Wood Structures
Recessed lighting Gotham
Track lighting WAC Lighting
Task lighting SPI Lighting
Fluorescent/industrial Mark Lighting;
Lithonia
Pendants/chandeliers Insight; Seneca
Sconces Gotham
Other decorative lighting WAC Lighting
Door hardware HES; Mckinney; Norton;
Rockwood; Rixson; Sargent; Securitron
Doors Hollow Metal; Alumicor
Curtain wall Alumicor
Window shades Sun Project
Swimming pools Myrtha Pools

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Contract Magazine - January/February 2019

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