A modern community hub inspired by the past and the present

When the Township of Georgina, located on the shores of Lake Simcoe, asked us to create a community centre and library that represented who they are, our design team responded with a unique planning approach that recalled the origins of the Township as a boating and cottage community yet maintained strong present-day connections to the landscape.

Interior Designer: Martha del Junco, ARIDO
Design Team: Tsvetelina Rabashki, ARIDO
Design Firm: Perkins&Will
Photographers: Scott Norsworthy and Lisa Logan

Our client wished for the design of the new community centre to reflect their sense of identity, create a hub that showcases activities to the community and ensure meaningful community engagement and embrace high values of sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity. They also wanted a design that is enduring and timeless that aligns beauty and economy.

Defined by three distinct boxes, each one sloping towards the central heart nestled between, the Georgina Multi-Use Recreation Complex takes form by paying homage to local and community spirit. Through the engagement of future users and staff in a series of microplanning meetings, the development of the design reflects not only programming needs, but also a form, materiality, and connection to the surrounding landscape that encompasses the spirit of place.

As in many community facilities, there is a need for flexible space use to accommodate a range of programs and service needs. We responded to this need through the creation of a unique multipurpose room that can merge into the central gathering space and open to an exterior amphitheater. It has become an important ’threshold‘ space for the programmers of the facility.

The scale, materiality and transparency of the central gathering space is a key feature of the facility. From
one location visitors can see all the activities. The space is anchored by a fireplace wall and capped with a
dark blue plaster ‘night sky’ ceiling. The design elements are simple, informal and carefully considered. The
result alludes to an inspiration of camp site gathering without literal references.