SIMON HOUSE PRE-DESIGN CHARRETTE
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Project Type: Multi-Family Residential / Addictions Treatment
Key Goals: Pre-Design Charrette
Services: Pre-Design, Lot Feasibility Assessment, Charrette Facilitation
Status: Planning Phase
The Simon House Recovery Centre Pre-Design Charrette and Programming Report summarizes the primary outcomes of a team building event and pre-design charrette conducted with Simon House Recovery Centre staff. The charrette’s purpose was to establish a clear, client-approved program that will serve as the foundational guide for the subsequent schematic design phase of the new facility development. The proposed development aims to be the physical embodiment of the Simon House mission—to guide and empower individuals toward long-term recovery and reintegration into the community.
The current facility includes a main building (2007, 30 beds) and two older duplex buildings, contributing to a total of 67 beds. The new facility development proposes demolition and replacement of the garage, sheds and duplexes onsite, in addition to the renovation of the principal building and re-utilization of site and exterior program. Core design mandates concentrate on strategic vision and program direction, key needs and design priorities, including residential dignity, balancing security and storage with supportive peer living, accessible infrastructure, improved community dining, wellness and entrepreneurship.
Image of worksheet with aspirational goals brainstorm
WHEN ASKED WHAT THE NEW BUILDING WOULD LOOK LIKE FROM THE STREET?
Near the conclusion of the day, a Mentimeter survey, along with the Kululu image collection, was strategically utilized to capture individual, spontaneous new design ideas and immediate aesthetic responses from the participants. The discussion flipped back and forth between the Mentimeter survey and individual image selection via google images, Pinterest, Instagram etc.
Image: Mentimeter survey results image
LOT CAPACITY
Any design vision must be grounded in the physical and regulatory realities of its site. Prior to moving into the design idea creation portion of the Pre-Design Charrette agenda, Front Porch Design Build wanted to frame the go forward conversation within the contextual site.
The massing model shows the existing 2007 building on the right, with the building pocket for the new development on the left.
Image: Massing model and building pocket for new development
