Visual Arts Mississauga
A community teaching facility nestled in Riverwood
Visual Arts Mississauga (VAM) is a new community teaching facility built within the 150-acre Riverwood Conservatory, an innovative urban park nestled along the historic Credit River. The building is sited adjacent to a renovated historical stone farmhouse and barn and sets the standard for future development in the park.
The one-storey building contains multiple flexible studios and classrooms, administrative support spaces, a gallery hall and a public comfort station designed to accommodate park visitors while showcasing work produced at VAM. The project was coordinated with other site improvements to Riverwood Conservatory, including an extensive network of trails, parking, stormwater management bioswales and retention ponds, and a diverse range of gardens that feature the heritage and environmental qualities of the site.
Location
Mississauga, Ontario
Client
City of Mississauga
Awards
- Mississauga Urban Design Award, Award of Merit for Architecture, Riverwood (Visual Arts Mississauga), 2006
- Mississauga Urban Design Award, 25th Anniversary People’s Choice Award, Riverwood (Visual Arts Mississauga), 2006
The building exemplifies a contemporary approach to design: simple rectilinear lines with an emphasis on natural materials that allow the building to integrate into the existing landscape while respecting its historic context.
A number of sustainable design initiatives have been incorporated into the building including a large green roof and extensive use of natural daylighting.
