Vaughan Metropolitan Centre/Central Park
and Masterplan
Vaughan Metropolitan Centre/Central Park and Masterplan
Vaughan (Ontario), Canada

A modern picturesque park for a new downtown in a transit oriented community.

The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre is a proposed 60 hectare (150 acre) development connected to the Greater Toronto Area through the TTC subway extension and an expanded regional transportation network. The project proposes a wide range of spaces and amenities – office towers, mixed-use residential buildings, pedestrian shopping, restaurants and green spaces – promoting both active and public transportation. Ultimately, these developments and the fine hierarchical network of public spaces support and strengthen the social and cultural life for a future community of 25,000 residents.

The 10 acre park emulates the tradition of the great scenic parks of the City Beautiful movement. Acting as a backbone for the new development, it creates a primary link to smaller and more intimate neighborhood parks scattered across the area. The park plan is conceived to clearly anchor and prolong the street and block layout, supporting a coherent and hierarchized mobility network. The civic plaza (KPMG Block) adjacent to the new TTC terminal at the East end of the axis serves as a natural anchor for the park.

Distinct topographical features in each of the three contiguous blocks of the park are informed by specific programmatic elements, in addition to offering spaces dedicated to recreation and relaxation. The hills and valleys of the east side of the park establish a threshold to the park system composed of a water basin and a central area for large gatherings. The central block, characterized by a large sunken lawn for sports and a pavilion with a roof terrace, creates a recreational hub for the neighbourhood. In the West block of the Park, an open glade with a large fountain and a curved pergola create a contemplative setting for lazy afternoons.

The distinctive design of the park, inspired by the work of British artist Bridget Riley, uses an intersecting filigree of curves to create a strong and functional language that unifies the adjacent blocks of the Park. The circulation pattern of the Park creates a series of passages that alternate between wooded areas, flowering bosques and glades. The highly diversified planting plan is meant to invoke parallel canvases, using grouping of trees to create volumes of singular character. Each cluster expresses the specificity of a particular type of tree, and the meandering progression through the park’s circular paths is a constant succession of colors and ambiance.

Client
SmartREIT/SmartURBAN

Collaboration
Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc., BA Group

Area
Vaughan Metropolitain Centre - 600 000 m2 (150 acres) / Central Park - 43 100 m2 (10.7 acres)

Year
2012-...

Status
In progress

Categories
Master Plan
Park
Plaza / Garden
Streetscape
Rendering – SmartCentres, SmartUrban, Claude Cormier + Associés and Diamond Schmitt Architects
Aerial Rendering – SmartCentres REIT
Aerial Rendering Looking West – SmartCentres, SmartUrban, Claude Cormier + Associés and Diamond Schmitt Architects
Conceptual Inspiration (Composition with Circles 2) – Bridget Riley
Rendering – SmartCentres, SmartUrban, Claude Cormier + Associés and Diamond Schmitt Architects
Rendering – SmartCentres, SmartUrban, Claude Cormier + Associés and Diamond Schmitt Architects
Rendering – SmartCentres, SmartUrban, Claude Cormier + Associés and Diamond Schmitt Architects
Rendering – SmartCentres, SmartUrban, Claude Cormier + Associés and Diamond Schmitt Architects
Rendering – SmartCentres, SmartUrban, Claude Cormier + Associés and Diamond Schmitt Architects
Rendering – SmartCentres, SmartUrban, Claude Cormier + Associés and Diamond Schmitt Architects
Rendering – SmartCentres, SmartUrban, Claude Cormier + Associés and Diamond Schmitt Architects
Rendering – SmartCentres, SmartUrban, Claude Cormier + Associés and Diamond Schmitt Architects
Tree Species Diversity – Claude Cormier + Associés
VMC Central Park, Masterplan – Claude Cormier + Associés and Diamond Schmitt Architects
VMC Central Park, Landscape Typologies – Claude Cormier + Associés
Section, Landscape Typologies – Claude Cormier + Associés
Program Diagram – Claude Cormier + Associés
VMC SmartUrban Development, Key Plan – Claude Cormier + Associés
VMC SmartUrban Development, Circulation and Uses – + AssociésClaude Cormier
Vaughan Metropolitain Centre (VMC) Streetscape and Open Space Masterplan – City of Vaughan
Aerial View, Vaughan Metropolitain Centre (VMC) – SmartCentres REIT
Vaughan Metropolitain Centre (VMC), Regional Context – Claude Cormier + Associés