A local architecture firm has received some national recognition for its work.
Mitchell Jensen Architects of North Bay, together with Carlyle Design Associates of Ottawa have won a prestigious Best in Canada award from Canadian Interiors Magazine for the design of the new North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit building on Oak Street West, in North Bay.
Architect Paul Mitchell says “Health Unit leaders were resolute in the goal of designing a facility which is practical, reflects its values, welcomes the public, inspires staff and visitors and reflects the importance of health promotion to the community.”
Working within strict budget limits, the key design strategies used to enhance client and staff experience in this 58,000 square foot, two storey facility include:
- A transparent, two-story lobby as primary circulation and wayfinding;
- Open, connected spaces and a quietly shifting palette of quality materials that inspire a sense of confidence and comfort;
- Alternative workspaces, private rooms, lounge areas and group settings for table-based and more casual meetings, shared work or socialization;
- Workstations clustered along spines running perpendicular to windows to maximize access to daylight, views and operable windows, maintaining generous circulation, and psychological space;
- Wood “work walls” that create landmarks, delineate programs, offer informal seating and work space alternatives, and storage of program resources;
- A “good value” filter that considered environmental and economic sustainability, durability, cleaning and maintenance and disposal;
- Installations of over 30 remarkable works of art by local artists made possible through an anonymous donation and loans from WKP Kennedy Gallery that inspire reflection and conversation.
