150 Elgin Street Performance Court
Client
Morguard Investments Limited
Location
Ottawa
Completion
2013
Located in Ottawa’s central business district, the 7th floor public terrace of Performance Court at 150 Elgin offers a distinctive and welcoming respite from the urban downtown core for both office personnel and the community. The terrace carries forward the core design values reflected in the tower: building on a sustainable basis while elegantly addressing the neighbourhood and surrounding streets in its scale, elevations, and exterior finishes.
The park’s mix of curvilinear forms and soft materials acts as a contrast to the strong geometric architectural elements of precast and glass of the building, bringing a human scale to the terrace. The careful selection of wood benches and decking, as well as drought-tolerant native plant material, helps to meet sustainability goals and reduce long-term maintenance requirements. The key element for the design of the terrace was the integration of a variety of spaces in a confined location that creates opportunities for multiple people to enjoy the experience.
The large central court links two intimate seating areas for quiet conversation and respite, while the central deck provides space to gather with friends and colleagues. The custom wood benches along the perimeter of the wood deck complement the diverse range of perennials and shrubs, with lighting integrated with LED fixtures tucked under benches to highlight the perimeter gardens. A combination of trees and landforms frames the west and south sides of the terrace to shelter visitors from the encroachment of surrounding buildings. The ground-level plant material provides a hint of the terrace, drawing the visitor in and up to explore.
Key views both east toward City Hall and Confederation Park and north toward the Gatineau Hills and Parliament Hill are enhanced by the design of the terrace. The main axis is oriented with the terrace entry from the 7th floor office tower, drawing visitors towards the perimeter and the spectacular views. The public entry in the north corner welcomes visitors to the main deck, providing select views toward the central decks.
