panorama
Benchlands panorama
Benchlands project located in downtown Kelowna, Canada is a newly developed complex whose functions cover office, residence, and study. The entire project consists of three towers and a podium. Each tower adopts a different expression to reflect the different spatial functions inside the tower. At the same time, the project design combines the building itself with the city where it is located, Kelowna and its surroundings, to create a unique urban landscape.
Our ‘Benchlands’ proposal is for a new development which combines working, living and learning functions to create a new form of mixed-use development in the heart of downtown Kelowna.
The development features three towers and a plinth. Each tower features a varied expression, which reflects the different internal functional zones within the plan, but also create a distinct urban character, linking the building’s identity back to the environment of Kelowna and the surroundings.
UNStudio and DIALOG jointly designed a design plan that integrates various disciplines in the early stage. During the design process, design concepts such as landscape, interior, lighting and guide signs are incorporated.
The early collaboration between UNStudio and DIALOG for this mixed-use development at 550 Doyle Avenue in Kelowna has led us to create a fully integrated design, incorporating landscape, interior, lighting and wayfinding ideas within an all-encompassing design.
Benchlands surrounding environment
podium—Inspired from nature
A Plinth Inspired by Nature
A Plinth Inspired by Nature
A Benchlands podium drew three-dimensional design inspiration from natural environments such as Lake Okanagan, valleys, and breathtaking cliffs near Kelowna. There is the mantle formed by the late Pleistocene, glacier drifting, which covers the basement bedrock.
The ‘Benchlands’ departs from the static plinth model by taking 3-dimensional inspiration from nature at its best: the Okanagan Lake and Valley and its incredible cliffs that have accumulated at the end of Pleistocene, where a widespread mantle of glacial drift covers the underlying bedrock.
podium and complex public space
podium has a platform and a high-rise terrace, which is a space that residents, office workers and academic staff can share. Design to connect various functional areas smoothly from both visual and practical use.
The programming of the plinth with its spatial plateaus and overhangs enables fluid links, visual connections and effective locating of the functions that are all shared by academic, residential and office users.
The combination relationship between podium and tower
The podium of the three towers is like the landscape "base" in nature, Inspire people to find relaxation and leisure opportunities between open corners and relatively closed areas. The ground floor spaces of the podiums of different towers also vary, forming their respective identity characteristics, implying their corresponding group ownership. At the same time, the bottom public space connects to the upper tower.
The design language of the landscaped plinth that is linked to the three towers on the site, serves as inspiration for the playfulness between completely open corners and more enclosed areas. The variation at ground level creates different addresses for each of the distinct towers, reflecting their varied ownership while connecting them on the upper levels through the public plinth and common ground.
Complex and street relationship
combined can effectively use ground space and underground parking lots, and also create an overall landscape, guiding people into this newly developed project and feel the meticulous texture of Kelowna City.
The combined, single podium also allows for efficient use of above and below ground parking, while also creating an integral landscape that guides people towards the development and creates pedestrian connections within the finer grain of the city of Kelowna.
new design method for urban complex
Fresh Approach to Mixed-Use
We have adopted a new method to think about the functional formats, density, visual connections, shading research and plane layout of the complex project. Sustainable development strategies are widely considered in all aspects and links of project design, including materials, facade design, ventilation and lighting. However, the most important thing is to design the concept of social sustainability by creating a healthy, vibrant community.
A fresh approach to mixed-use is taken by re-envisioning the density of the programme on site, the visual connections, shading studies and plan layouts. Substantial consideration was given to the sustainable strategies, ranged from the buildings’ positioning, materiality, facade design, ventilation and lighting. However, most importantly, the concept of social sustainability is addressed through the creation of a healthy vibrant community.
project volume
The University of British Columbia Health Research Project, together with public facilities such as offices, residential, commercial, courtyards and terraces, has improved the quality of people living, working and visiting No. 550 Doyle Street.
The UBC academic health program, along with the office, residential, commercial, courtyard and terrace programs, all serve as common facilities, upgrading the leisure activities of the people living, working and visiting 550 Doyle
Project information
Details
Customer: The University of British Columbia and Mission Group
Location: 550 Doyle Street, Kelowna, Canada
Building area: 80,653 m² (868,136 ft²)
Site area: 6,658 m²
Functional business format: Complex (university, residential, office, commercial, supporting facilities)
Design scope:
Concept design | Solution design | Expand initial design
Visual presentation: Bloomimages
Design consortium: UNStudio and DIALOG
Design Team:
UNStudio Team: Ben van Berkel, Astrid Piber with Sontaya Bluangtook, Marc Salemink and Christian Robles, Nikoleta Mougkasi, Bernard Chiang
DIALOG Team: Brady Dunlop, Joost Bakker, Meeta Lele, Carolyn Cuthbert, Sabrina Heck, Angus Dunn, Farah Al Amin, Michele Sigurdson, Erin Cienciala, Mel Faifman, Heather Glendenning, James Godwin, Jill Robertson
Client:
University of British Columbia (UBC) and Mission Group (MG)
Location:
550 Doyle Avenue, Kelowna, BC, Canada
Building surface:
80,653m2 (868,136 ft2)
Site area:
6,658m2
Programme:
Mixed use - University Programme, Residential, Office, Commercial and Amenities
Status:
Concept Design, Schematic Design and Design Development.
Visualisations: Bloomimages
Consortium: Collaboration between UNStudio and DIALOG
UNStudio: Ben van Berkel, Astrid Piber with Sontaya Bluangtook, Marc Salemink and Christian Robles, Nikoleta Mougkasi, Bernard Chiang
DIALOG: Brady Dunlop, Joost Bakker, Meeta Lele, Carolyn Cuthbert, Sabrina Heck, Angus Dunn, Farah Al Amin, Michele Sigurdson, Erin Cienciala, Mel Faifman, Heather Glendenning, James Godwin, Jill Robertson
Source, copyright: UNStudio
