Landscape - Ottawa

"As a resident of the federal National Capital Region (NCR), I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of the City of Ottawa in creating the multi-purpose outdoor space outside of its City Hall. This outdoor open space may appear at first glance to be relatively simple, but underneath this visual simplicity lies a complex functional program that must integrate all the amenities related to socio-cultural occupations with a number of security requirements dictated by the official nature of this site. Indeed, this space is available to the community in summer and winter and hosts multiple events throughout the year. Within a relatively complex urban space, they have integrated services that allow for the installation of various kiosks for the various events and festivals that take place there, as well as the construction of a winter skating rink that transforms into an in-line skating space and/or dance floor during the summer season. Access to the site is relatively easy by foot, public transit, bicycle and car. The landscaping incorporates vehicular security systems while inviting pedestrian traffic (visitors) to experience some of the points of interest created by the defensive systems and to access the site for use of its services; the result of an analytical exercise necessary to balance the need for protections with the community nature of the site. The continuity between the site circulation and the interior circulation of the building allows the public to experience the central space of the building as an exterior street leading to a gallery, gathering spaces, public services and various rental spaces. The use of materials throughout the site and within the building is simple, yet robust; allowing for the accommodation of crowds while ensuring the durability of the building systems used. Growing up on the south shore of Quebec City, a traditional educational activity organized by the public elementary schools is a visit to the Cap-Tourmente wildlife conservation site (Cap-Tourmente National Wildlife Area -- Canada.ca). I visited this site again last year, in the fall, when the snow geese feed there by the hundreds before their migration to warmer areas for the winter. I hadn't been back there in over 30 years. Besides bringing back fond memories of my youth, I was really moved by the landscapes, the vista, and especially the scents carried by the steady breeze (from the river and the flora). This revived my memories - the spirit of the place was always present. I particularly appreciated the rehabilitation of the building and the pathways, providing a barrier-free environment for visitors/families, and designed to minimize the impact on delicate ecosystems. This place is a little treasure, resilient but also fragile. It is a haven of peace, a place of contemplation for nature lovers, but above all a dynamic and powerful environment. By designing a system to control visitation and impacts on the site, this little corner of the world and its ecosystems will be protected for future generations of students (young and old!)." (Booklet Positive Lived Experiences of Quality in the Built Environment 2023, p.260). Google map link: https://www.google.ca/maps/place/R%C3%A9serve+nationale+de+faune+du+Cap-Tourmente+%2F+Cap+Tourmente+National+Wildlife+Area/@47.0660436,-70.7969232,15.5z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x4cb8ccaf6a71d053:0xdb5096f5794bb2ec!8m2!3d47.0641479!4d-70.7963781!16zL20vMDFqbDIz?hl=fr