Fig. 1

view looking south along the Blackcreek Ravine

Set back from Toronto’s Black Creek Ravine, the new TRCA administrative building accommodates over 400 staff within 8,253 m² of open-plan office space constructed of and clad in timber. Designed as a leading example of green building integrated into a restored natural heritage system, staff who manage the natural environment and their visitors are metaphorically placed into “the heart of the watershed” by providing a tangible platform for reimagining urban design for communities in the Greater Toronto Area.  The crystalline geometry of the design is intended to unlock the presence of the natural environment externally and internally, and enhance the character and quality of the interaction between the urban realm, nature, and human activity.

Fig. 2

Atrium reception and stair

Fig. 3

north atrium looking west

Fig. 4

south atrium, along public staircase and waterwall

Fig. 5

across south atrium looking south

Fig 6

North atrium looking south

Fig. 6

view looking west

Fig. 8

entrance atrium with waterwall

Fig. 9

meeting room overlooking Blackcreek Ravine

Fig. 10

pedestrian approach to main entrance from Shoreham Drive

Fig. 11

The south atrium looking west

Fig. 12

view through waterwall to office space

Fig. 13

operable windows enabling natural ventilation

Fig. 14

Main entrance along Shoreham Drive, looking west towards the Blackcreek Ravine

Fig. 15

Assembly of the timber structure

Fig. 16

The ground floor of the building has the potential to enhance public engagement through its openness, and is designed to be inviting to passers-by and for visitors to the site as well as those using the building for specific purposes. Spaces for gatherings / meetings / events catering for consultant training and workshops, visiting delegations and public meetings are accommodated on the ground floor in the public portion of the building. The furniture layout is designed to support flexible work modalities, and acts as a hub and meeting place for all TRCA employees, and the TRCA and members of the public.

Assembly of timber core

Assembly of mass timber structure

TRCA orbit rotating clockwise from the west

Southeast elevation Timelapse - morning