As the deadline to complete the oft-delayed O'Siem Pavilion creeps closer, a detailed architectural design was presented to District of Squamish council for its comments and concerns.
The time-sensitive project must be completed if the $375,000 in federal and provincial stimulus funding is to remain in Squamish hands. The Towns for Tomorrow grant stipulates that proposed infrastructure be built out by March 31, 2011.
At Tuesday's (Nov. 23) council meeting, Alfred Waugh from Alfred Waugh Architects presented his third design for the pavilion's structure.
"We've come up with a conceptual design and with your review and comments, we'll decide on a structure."
The proposed design is a series of glulam arches that creates a light, airy and inviting structure using local forestry products such as hemlock or balsam.
"It's important to us to promote the local economy and create a structure built in wood that is locally sourced," Waugh said.
Glulam, a product which is essentially small boards laminated together into beams, is known for its strength and is especially suitable for buildings with long spans and where architectural beauty is a pre-requisite.
He said the inspiration for the curved and varied glulam structure is the Squamish landscape it mimics - the mountains, the ocean and Squamish Nation canoes.
"The pavilion in the RFP was described as a facility that would address a program for performances, announcements, events as well as possibly an activity for outdoor art exhibits and to complement the farmers' market," Waugh said. "So it's not just a bandshell per se."
There are two stages - one 25-by-25-foot mainstage and one smaller stage facing Cleveland Avenue. There is also a change room along the back of the stages for costumes, changing and other uses.
Waugh said the architectural firm also took into account concerns about vandalism and homelessness by creating a structure that was quite transparent, full of natural light and visible from the road.
Engineering manager Brian Barnett said staff was looking for council members' comments and suggestions at this point because they need to put out requests for proposals (RFPs) before the holiday season to make the tight timeline feasible.
"Our next step is to look at construction and we're going to get pricing over the next few weeks."
Council feedback was positive overall but there were a few minor concerns.
"In short, I like it," said Coun. Doug Race. "But my only concern is that it's back is to the prevailing wind in summer but what about winter winds, like the ones we just had?"
Waugh said there are wind factors every building needs to meet and the architects are confident the structure will be strong enough to withstand the wind.
Coun. Patricia Heintzman asked about incorporating more green initiatives such as solar panelling into the structure.
The architect said integrating the roofing membrane with sun panels was a possibility the designers were willing to explore, but added that it was an expensive process for a project with a tight budget.
Coun. Paul Lalli said he liked the contemporary design but asked about relocating the sculptures.
"We looked at the sculptures in this park and we are recommending only relocating two sculptures and leaving the rest there as an option to minimize the site impact," Waugh said.
Barnett said there were a few prospective sculpture locations and the artist would be consulted about his preference.
Council offered other comments about the pavilion's elevation, a proposed unique fence along Loggers Lane to keep noise out, and about the project's timeline.
Mayor Greg Gardner made it clear he expected all the essential components to be done by March 31 but additional structures such as the fence and new sidewalks were elements that could be added later.
Engineering staff and the architect plan to get pricing from local companies over the next few weeks and ideally come back to council with chosen proponents on Dec. 14. At that time, council's comments will be taken into consideration and Alfred Waugh Architects will refine the design.
