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Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) – Vancouver
By : Ædifica
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 14th edition
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Commercial Space / Commercial Space > 5,400 sq.ft. (> 500 sq.m.) : Gold Certification
The three-storey mass timber building embodies MEC’s brand identity while acting as a gateway marker to the Olympic Village neighbourhood. For all current stores starting with the North Vancouver Store a close working relationship was created between Ædifica for all interior retail design and Proscenium architectural design.
The innovative store is a high-performance LEED Platinum building that uses almost one-third less energy than the standards set out by the national energy code. On the inside the wood structure is fully expressed. Due to the tall floor to floor plate the glulam column and beam system emphasizes verticality. HUB stations were created to offer workshops which facilitate the interaction with the community.
Provision of daylighting and views for both retail and office occupants were prioritized. To add vibrancy to the street edge experience we needed a visual connection between the pedestrian realm, street edge and the retail interior. This led to transparency where traditionally a store would be more inwardly focusing. A feature stair acts as a focal point to draw users to the second retail level and is visually and programmatically prioritized over the elevator to take advantage of the social engagement and health benefits associated with regular stair use. A climbing wall activates the atrium space and allows for community engagement with the building outside of the typical retail experience.
Collaboration
