2013 Facilities of Merit: Regent Park Aquatic Centre

From its "dorsal fin" roof feature to its ground-level window walls, Regent Park Aquatic Centre represents a sculptural park pavilion presence befitting its location within a rigorous urban grid.

Photo by Shai Gil

However, it was the facility's interior that struck one judge as "a real show-stopper." The signature design element is a wood ceiling over the water in the main pool hall. Other spaces are purposefully clean and simple, as well as innovative — the aquatic center is the first facility in Canada to adopt the singular use of universal change rooms. Though designed as a see-through building, screening options exist in the pool hall for groups wanting privacy during their swims.

Sustainability considerations included a green roof augmented by cisterns for site water stewardship, high-efficiency mechanical and electrical systems with energy-management controls, and pool dehumidification with heat recovery.

Check out the full photo gallery.

Judges' Comments

Great interior spaces. An appropriate pavilion-like structure for an urban park.

Architect of Record:

MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects
Toronto, Ont.

Cost: $14.8 million (Canadian)
Square Footage: 28,000
Funded By: Government funds
Major Facility Components: Six-lane pool, leisure pool, hot tub, indoor water slide, universal change rooms with individual cubicles, offices, outdoor terrace