The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) is hosting an anonymous Landscape Design Competition aimed at revitalizing the grounds of its Toronto headquarters as an extension of its Renew + Refresh initiative. In addition to showcasing design excellence, teams—led by OAA or Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA) members—are asked to submit designs that create a welcoming and inclusive arrival experience, incorporate public art, promote sustainability and water use in the health of the environment, and embrace the Don River watershed context. Given the substantial societal impact of the built environment, the Association celebrates sensitive, responsible, and innovative design that supports resiliency and inclusivity. Ultimately, this competition is an opportunity to think about how we can take steps to heal our relationship with the land and its original caretakers.
The winning team will secure the contract for the redesign, emphasizing the significance of architecture and the allied arts in societal well-being.
The Technical Advisory Team is engaged to perform two essential tasks in support of the design competition process. Their first role is to help inform the detailed development of the Project Brief, the document which outlines the objectives of the competition process as well as the criteria to be used in evaluating design submissions. Once design proposals are received, the Technical Advisory Team provides a review of each one in relation to the objectives and selection criteria identified in the Project Brief, from the perspective of their area of expertise. This review is summarized in a concise report provided to the Jury to help inform their deliberations intended to identify a preferred concept to be implemented.
Given the specific objectives of this design competition process, the OAA has engaged a landscape architect, civil engineer and cost consultant to support the OAA team in the development of project objectives and review of submissions.
Technical Advisory Team Member, Tom Ingersoll (cost consultant with Ingersoll & Associates Inc.)
Venturing beyond the conventional boundaries of construction, Tom Ingersoll stands as a visionary with more than five decades worth of industry expertise. Transitioning from an illustrious career with leading Canadian companies, Tom embarked on a new chapter in May 2007 by establishing Ingersoll & Associates Inc. Since its inception, the venture has been instrumental in an array of projects across various sectors including industrial, manufacturing, and commercial, seamlessly blending field and office environments.
Tom's project involvements have extended beyond borders, touching ground in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, Trinidad, Nevis, and the Bahamas., where his proficiency in conceptual estimating, scheduling, and value engineering has reshaped the built environment. His keen eye for detail enables him to meticulously evaluate project specifications, ensuring precision from pre-construction to post-construction phases.
The chosen jury is scheduled to convene in early June to review all submissions. Following their evaluation, they will award a preferred candidate with the contract to carry out the project. Additionally, two submissions will be recognized with honourable mentions.
Final submissions for the Landscape Design Competition, which are due by May 16, will be showcased anonymously at the OAA Headquarters during Doors Open Toronto 2024 on May 25 and 26, and continuing to June 21. Guided tours of the building interior will be offered daily during the Doors Open event, offering visitors a unique glimpse into net-zero design solutions.