prince arthurs landing by brook mcilroy

‘prince arthurs landing’ by brook mcilroy

commencing in 2006, the city of thunder bay commissioned a team led by brook mcilroy to design its new mixed-use waterfront destination that would radically enhance the city’s image and high quality of life. prince arthur’s landing demonstrates innovation in creating activities, forms and spaces that integrate local culture and are reflective the uniquely indigenous opportunities of sustainable community buildings in north america.

the redesign of the city’s historic port is based on a philosophy of sustainable revitalization which embodies the spirit, materiality and culture of canada’s north. the waterfront’s network of natural and built terrain are instilled with a sensitivity that balances environmental, social and economic prosperity. two of the main buildings, the ‘water garden pavilion’ and the newly renovated ‘baggage building arts centre’, incorporate a range sustainable design measures including: photovoltaic energy production, passive heating/cooling, high albedo and green roofing, high energy performance envelopes, local materials and recycled content. the natural surrounding also incorporates sustainable design techniques of non-invasive species planting, low irrigation planting (no sprinkler systems on site), and storm water filtration. 

viewing circle at the end of pier 2

 a key area of the waterfront, the ‘spirit garden’, supports a naturalized landscape that has been transformed into an ecologically rich wetland typical to the thunder bay region. the garden features distinct spaces and ecological systems that support both active and passive human use in a public park setting. included in this context, the living shoreline breathes into the built environment. bioengineering techniques are used to rehabilitate a derelict, man-made beach into a fish habitat and naturalized coastline. a structure of the spirit garden, the gathering circle, is an open-air pavilion reflecting aboriginal concepts of the inclusive circle, peaceful co-existence and respect for the natural world. 

waterfront plaza

water garden pavilion, east elevation

water garden pavilion, north elevation

baggage building arts centre with jardin elipse in foreground

water feature wall at baggage building arts centre

gathering circle at sunrise, within the spirit garden

gathering circle at dusk overlooking downtown thunder bay

one of two 70-foot tall ‘beacons’ featuring morse code LED lighting

water garden pavilion with splash pad / skating rink in foreground

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