MISTA

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MISTAMARKHAM INTERNATIONAL

SPORTS TRAINING ACADEMY

SPACE PROGRAM STUDY

MARCH 2013

Prepared by:

Sasaki Associates

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CONTENTS

Introduction.........................................................................................8

Goals of the Study...............................................................................9

Description of Venues........................................................................10

1. Field House & Track Centre................................................12

2. Ice Arena Centre................................................................16

3. Aquatic Centre...................................................................18

4. Gymnastics Centre.............................................................20

5. Courts Centre.....................................................................22

6. Combatives Centre............................................................24

7a. Elite Athlete Training Centre............................................26

7b. Fitness Centre..................................................................28

7c. Wellness Centre...............................................................30

Support............................................................................................32

8. Locker Rooms.....................................................................34

Individual Venue Lockers....................................................36

9. Support & Amenities..........................................................38

Building Organization........................................................................40

10. Building Systems..............................................................42

11. Gross Area Calculation.....................................................42

12. Site Amenities..................................................................43

Venue Area Comparison........................................................44

Venue Adjacencies.................................................................46

Blocking & Stacking...............................................................48

Description of User................................................................50

Recommendations & Next Steps.......................................................52

Acknowledgements..........................................................................54

(Numbers correspond to location in the Appendix, located

under separate cover.)

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INTRODUCTION

The City of Markham (Markham) requested Sasaki Associates (Sasaki)

to develop a Space Program (Program) for the Markham International

Sports Training Academy (MISTA). Markham initially provided Sasaki

with broad guidelines for seven key venue types that were developed

by Markham in previous studies.

GOALS OF THE STUDY

The primary goal of this study is to elaborate the basic programs

identifying all of the supporting spaces that contribute to each venue

and to the project as a functioning whole. The resultant program,

besides providing a better understanding of what the facility would

include, will also provide a working document that can be discussed,

elaborated and confirmed.

The quantitative portion of the Program will provide net square

meter areas for the program components and a total Gross Building

Area. Working from the gross building area Markham will be pre-

pared to enlist developers and discuss potential building sites, costs

and strategies. Blocking and Stacking information provided includes

clear height requirements for the various sports plus allowances

for the structural depth of the long spans.

Sasaki has included a graphic illustration of the relative size of

each venue for easy comparison and for consideration during site

selection. To better understand interior relationships among the

venues an adjacency diagram is provided. As income generation will

be a consideration we have developed a list of anticipated users.

DESCRIPTION OF VENUES

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12012 Division Three Indoor Track and Field National Championships.

Track practice at Grinnell University 200 m facility.

FIELD HOUSE & TRACK CENTREThe primary program component of the Field House is an eight lane 400 m

track. The standard configuration of the track provides an infield where

Olympic Track & Field events can be contested. The jumping events can be

laid out in the “D” ends of the infield. This configuration also accommo-

dates the various sport playfields listed in the program. The track will have

a synthetic surface while the infield will be artificial turf. This surface is

appropriate for the majority of the sports however it is not ideal for all.

Accommodation of the Olympic throwing events requires some special

consideration due to the size of the field of play involved and inherent

safety issues. The facility includes an indoor throwing area that is caged in

heavy duty metal mesh fencing with steel frame structural supports.

The cage is of a triangular wedge configuration 38 m on two long sides

and 22 m on the short side. The weight throw and shot put would be

contested here during an indoor meet.

While it is possible, javelin, hammer and discus events would not normally

be contested at indoor meets. However hammer and discus practice could

occur within the cage by throwing into a specially designed curtain. The

javelin could be practiced indoors as well but requires a secured end of the

track area to accommodate the runway and a special curtain into which

the javelin could be thrown.

TRACK & FIELD

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An indoor 400 m track in an air supported structure in Anchorage, Alaska. Structure by Yeadon USA.

The infield is used for sports like soccer and lacrosse.

Anchorage, Alaska601’ x 290’ x 85’

Anchorage, Alaska601’ x 290’ x 85’

The width of the track plus a modest sideline translates into a structural

clear span of over 100 m. A clear height of approximately 21 m (70’) would

be required for high level soccer or football play. The depth of trusses

required for this span is in the range of 7 m to 10 m. Innovative structural

solutions could offer other options. Note that we are currently aware of

only one indoor facility that boasts a 400 m track. The Alaska Dome in

Anchorage is an Air Supported Structure (bubble) 601 ft x 290 ft x 85 ft high.

This approach may be a viable option particularly since we are anticipating

that the track be located on the third level for the MISTA facility.

The requested spectator accommodation of 5,000 permanent seats is

located along the straight-a-way outside the track on both sides. Note that

these seats could be movable and retractable allowing seating flexibility

for various events. With seating retracted much space would be gained

outside the track proper. For viewing soccer, lacrosse or other infield sports,

moving this seating closer over the track lanes would make it possible

to accommodate over 5,000 spectators. Using four banks of movable,

retractable seating 12 m x 25 m, one at each corner outside the track and

each providing about 600 seats it would be possible to accommodate

an additional 2,400 spectators for track and field events. Note that locating

all of the seating along the sides outside of the track will increase the

structural clear span and would have cost implications.

The current conceptual thinking regarding blocking and stacking for

the project envisions the field house at a third level above other stacked

program elements. A key consideration in the design will be the building

code requirements for access to and egress from track level to exterior

grade based on occupancy capacity of the space. Elevators and escalators

for access and large ramps and/or multiple large stairs for egress are

likely options.

The program indicates a small component of team locker rooms adjacent

the track for elite athlete participation in events. Typical recreational users

would use the Main Locker Room located elsewhere in the building.

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2ICE ARENAThe Ice Arena program is fairly straight forward with facilities for two

Olympic and two NHL Hockey pads. Four curling sheets will be accommo-

dated on an additional Olympic sized pad. Short course speed skating

and figure skating are accommodated on the Olympic size rinks. During

design, provision for a long course speed skating venue will be investigated

by linking multiple pads together.

Spectators are an issue for continued discussion. Included is provision

for two hundred spectators at each ice sheet. For an important game the

retractable/movable seating banks could be positioned around one

sheet for a total of 800 seats.

Because users are wearing skates we have included three lockers rooms

in close proximity to the ice sheets.

HOCKEY / CURLING / SPEED SKATING FIGURE SKATING

Hockey practice at Plymouth State Univer-sity. With upper level spectator access

An example of a space accommodating a 400 m speed skating track, to be located in South Korea.

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3AQUATIC CENTREImpacting the Aquatic Centre program will be its proximity to the new

Markham Pan Am Center Phase One now under construction. If connections

are feasible and the pool decks can be contiguous some efficiencies should

be attainable. Note that the Phase One pool will have a movable bottom to

allow children’s use, physical therapy and other various classes requiring

shallow water of variable depth. Therefore this new pool is not programmed

for a movable bottom

The new 50 m pool with 3 m depth will have fast water and also accommo-

date water polo and synchronized swimming. The new diving tank with

platform diving and spring boards with dimensions of 21 m x 25 m will also

provide additional recreational swim lanes. 2,500 to 3,000 seats will be

provided at the sides of the 50 m pool and diving tank. Seats are provided

for competitors on the pool deck. To accommodate the 10 m diving

platform, a clear height of 15 m (45 ft) above the deck will be required.

Swim lockers must be at deck level. The extent of new lockers, universal

change rooms and certain other support spaces will also be dependent on

proximity to the existing Phase One facility.

As an option we have included program for a Rowing Centre in proximity to

the Aquatic venue primarily because of the similar equipment requirements

for water filtration.

SWIMMING / DIVING / WATER POLO SYNCRONIZED SWIMMING / ROWING The 50 m pool at the

University of Maryland,

The 50 m pool at Grinell.

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The Gymnastics Center at the University of Georgia. The balance beam, floor exercise area, tumble track and vault runways seen from the viewing balcony.

An in-floor trampoline, resi pit, uneven bars, vault runway, vault spring board and vault tables seen from the viewing balcony.

4GYMNASTICSCENTREThe gymnastics space is programmed as an elite training venue rather

than a competition space. Any competition would occur in the Court Center

with apparatus moved there and spectator facilities coordinated with

the event. This gymnastics space program is modeled after a successful

program at a high profile university. Since high level competition is

based on artistic as well as technical criteria, film editing and film viewing

space are included. Permanent, assigned, Individual lockers larger than

normal are provided for gymnasts for gear and clothing.

A clear height of 10–11 m is required in certain areas to accommodate

routines on the still rings and training on the trampoline. The type of space

required for gymnastics may be a good fit with the Combative space.

GYMNASTICS

5Boxing rings at the US Military Academy at West Point.

Wrestling Center at US Military Academy at West Point.

A self defense class at the University of Mas-sachusetts.

COMBATIVESCENTRE

For each of the typical combative sports we have generally programmed

two combat areas. These are typically in wood floor spaces with various

under layers topped by mats. We assume one area for instruction and

another for warm-up or practice. Note that the mats may typically be moved

and stored on heavy duty rollers mounted to the walls. This would allow

spectators to be accommodated on retractable bleachers. Fencing is

grouped with combatives and we have programmed four pistes. A clear

height of four meters should be sufficient to accommodate all of the

combative program sports. Tournaments would be held in the Courts

Centre. As options we have included the Archery Range and the Pistol

Range with Combatives.

MARTIAL ARTS / FENCING ARCHERY / WRESTLING

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6COURT CENTRE

The Court Center is primarily a flexible high bay space with wood or

synthetic floor on which many sports including basketball, volleyball, badmin-

ton, table tennis, futsal, handball and others could be played. With the

introduction of divider curtains to achieve the maximum utilization all sports

could even be played simultaneously. The module is based on a FIBA or

NCAA basketball layout which generally supports the other court sizes.

Six modules are programmed. A clear height of 12 m is sufficient to cover

all sports. With the divider curtains raised the space could be set up

for various competition events with spectators accommodated on movable

banks of retractable bleachers. We expect this would occur the majority

of weekends.

Note that for high level competition of certain sports and for TV broadcast

specific lighting requirements must be met. Additionally sports like badmin-

ton and table tennis require dark ceilings and indirect lighting.

As an option we have included a MAC (Multi-purpose Athletic Court) which

is bounded by dasher boards and is used for soccer, floor hockey and other

sports where ball containment is a requirement. This could be set up on

one of the modules.

A climbing wall would be located in a highly visible location perhaps in

a niche adjacent the main courts area. A bouldering wall would be located

in the same area. The 3 m high bouldering wall allows for horizontal

climbing without requiring harnesses or belay ropes. The climbing wall

space is secured when not in use, the bouldering wall is not.

BASKETBALL / VOLLEYBALL / BADMINTON TABLE TENNIS / FUTSAL / HANDBALL SOCCER / ROCK CLIMBING

The three court gym at the University of Massachusetts.

The court center at Coppin State University set up for convocation.

A MAC court at the University of New Haven.

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7aFrigid and hot hydro-therapy tanks in a train-ing room.

A power lifting platform at a strength and condi-tioning facility.

ELITE ATHLETETRAINING CENTRE

The Elite Athlete Training Center is a facility intended to operate at an

international, national and Olympic level for training and research relating

to elite and Olympic level athletics. Highly sophisticated equipment is used

in the measurement of the athlete’s performance. A sprint track, high bay

spaces, and vibration free structure are required for accurate instrumentation.

A hydrotherapy room with hot and frigid plunge baths will be a part of

the Regeneration Centre.

All elite athletes now lift weights and nearly all visit the training room

regularly for treatment and taping. Lifting is done under the supervision

of a strength coach on a scheduled basis. With a Main Weight Room dupli-

cations of equipment could be minimized and strength staff utilization

could be maximized. Elite athletes may concentrate on training for their

actual events elsewhere in the facility but return to the training center

as their home base.

Note that there may be satellite training rooms in operation during large

events at the Field House or Ice Arena, but elite athletes would use the

Main Trainer/Taping Room on a daily basis.

OLYMPIC TRAINING & RESEARCH WEIGHT ROOM / HYDROTHERAPYFILM STUDY

7aAnother constant in training is film study. We have included a Main Film/

Video Editing Room along with a Film Viewing Room with theater style

seating for 20 athletes. Reflecting elite status and possibly specialized

equipment their lockers would be larger than the norm.

A number of spaces listed in the program for Elite Training are placeholders

and will need to discussed and verified when designated representatives

of the Centre are identified. As a facility operating at a National and Olym-

pic level, we would expect an administrative staff, permanent coaching

and instruction staff, temporary coaches, and short term visitors all needing

cubicle / desk space. Our assumptions for these will need confirmation.

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7bStrength and condition-ing at a Loyola Univer-sity fitness center.

The cardio area at York College USA

A class in a multi-pur-pose room.

MEMBERSHIPFITNESS CENTRE

The Fitness Center is programmed as an upscale fitness club physically

located among the other venues but with entry limited to a separate mem-

bership. The facility would include all of the expected amenities, cardio,

strength and conditioning machines, stretching and teaching studios. Club

members will have large fully appointed lockers, showers and fixtures

including sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. These may also be rental on a

long term basis.

As options for discussion we have included racquet courts for two (2) tennis,

one (1) squash, one (1) racquetball and one (1) combination squash/racquet-

ball court with a movable rear wall. The tennis courts require a sizable area

but have a relatively low maximum utilization.

An additional option would be a lap pool. This requires some discussion

since there are already several pools programmed for the Aquatic Centre.

In a similar optional category would be a single wood floor space that

would be used for noon time basketball or volleyball. All of these options

would add to the comprehensive offerings of the club.

CARDIO / STRENGTH / CONDITIONING INSTRUCTION / TENNIS / RACQUETBALL SQUASH / SAUNA / JACUZZI

7b

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The Wellness Centre would provide a variety of offerings contributing to well being.

7cThe Wellness program is not yet well defined. As placeholders we have

listed a menu of probable offerings that might be considered. For the pur-

pose of net area calculations we have carried 85 m2 for each typical suite

and listed what spaces that suite might include. We have also included

some shared spaces such as a multipurpose room, conference rooms for

common use.

Our current approach is that the Wellness Center’s spatial needs are

not complex and the accommodation may be on a floor or floors of one

of the office towers. The Wellness program requires further discussion

and elaboration.

WELLNESSCENTREFACILITIES & PROGRAMS CONTRIBUTING TO WELL BEING

SUPPORT

8LOCKER ROOMS

The strategy for lockers and showers initially requested by Markham indi-

cated a single central location with lockers serving all venues. This approach

is not appropriate for several segments of the user group which require

lockers in close proximity to the Field of Play, for example, Aquatics and the

Ice Arena. In these cases lockers are programmed within the venue and

listed in the spreadsheets.

General Members Lockers

There are several types of lockers rooms and several types of lockers that

should be considered including:

• Male and Female Day Lockers: Full height and half height, usually

30 cm wide x 45 cm deep.

• Universal (family) Change Rooms: Various size changing cubicles with

separate lockers usually 45 cm wide x 45 cm deep.

• Accessible Changing Rooms: Generally sized to accommodate a

disabled person and companion with shower, toilet, a lavatory and

changing table. Lockers are adjacent but outside the room.

Team and Visitor Lockers

• Team Locker Rooms: Normal size lockers for game day team use. Larger

size lockers depending on equipment and if the team has exclusive use.

• Visitor Team Locker Rooms: These are more spartan and may have

only benches and many wall hooks. Showers are shared among the

Visitor Rooms.

• We assume that teams and visitors can make a short walk to the various

venues.

Typical “cubbie” lock-able storage units distributed throughout the facility.

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Coaches, Staff and Officials Lockers:

• Since we anticipate a large number of coaches and instructors in the

facility but sporadic use, we are programming for one male and one

female locker room that can accommodate several users at any time.

• Officials Locker Room: We anticipate a sporadic need for number

of officials’ lockers and are programming for one male and one female

officials’ locker room.

Cubbies

Throughout the facility in circulation routes and within the venues there

will be lockable “cubbies” for convenient short term storage of backpacks,

jackets, etc.

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INDIVIDUAL VENUE LOCKERS

Our current assumptions for locker requirements by venue are as follows:

1. Field House: We have programmed some Team and Visitor lockers

directly adjacent the track. Recreational users would use the General

Members Day Lockers elsewhere.

2. Ice Arena: Lockers for the Ice Arena should be at the same level as the

ice sheet since users are wearing skates. Team, Visitor, Family Changing

and Day Lockers are included.

3. Aquatic Center: Lockers must always be contiguous with the pool deck.

Day, Family Change, and some Team lockers are included.

4. Gymnastics: We anticipate Elite Athletes will be the majority of heavy

users and should have adjacent lockers.

5. Court Centre: We believe the General Member’s Day Lockers

will serve this venue.

6. Combatives: We believe the General Member’s Day Lockers will

serve this venue.

7. Elite Training: All Elite athletes have their primary lockers within

this space.

8. Fitness Centre: As a separate club membership within the larger facility, it

will have its own lockers, likely with high end amenities.

9. Wellness Center: These spaces are likely more similar to doctor’s offices

and meeting rooms and would be accommodated in one of the office

towers. We expect the locker requirement to be minimal.

Locker room types and distribution are an issue which will require optimiza-

tion after further discussion and estimates of the number of daily users.

As the concept design is developed and distances among venues become

apparent the alternatives will become clear.

A large general day locker room.

High end locker rooms at Harvard University Fitness Center.

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9SUPPORT & AMENITIES

We define support spaces as those necessary to keep the facility and venues

operating efficiently. Some spaces programmed are not strictly required but

will provide amenities that will attract users and define the overall image

and quality level of the venue. Architecturally and programmatically a high

space connecting several floor levels would be ideal.

The initial group of support spaces occurs at the entry of the facility. These

are the Lobby, Control Desk, Public Toilets, Lounge Space, Coffee/Juice Bar,

Restaurant, and Mini Retail/Pro Shop. These spaces offer opportunity

for social interaction and reinforce the overall quality level of the facility.

Behind the scenes the Administration/Management Suite focuses

on running the programmatic functions and supports the building staff.

Similarly the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) offices provide the over-

sight of the physical plant. O&M includes the building servicing component

which controls goods and services leaving and entering to building.

The primary circula-tion spine in an athletic facility at US Military Academy, West Point.

The climbing wall is adjacent the circula-tion concourse at York College.

The multi-level circula-tion concourse at York College of Pennsylva-nia with control desk, lounge seating and views into various venues.

BUILDINGORGANIZATION

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1110BUILDING SYSTEMS

Working with Cosentini Associates, our engineering consultants, we

have programmed a listing of the Building Systems which we anticipate will

require dedicated space. We include the typical Mechanical/Electrical/

Plumbing/Fire protection (MEP/FP) spaces plus Information Technology (IT),

Audio-Visual (AV), Security and others. The names of these rooms are listed

with areas in the Appendix. These spaces are considered as part of the

gross building area. For the purpose of calculation we are adding a percent-

age of the net area to estimate the space requirements for the building

systems.

GROSS AREA CALCULATION

(see spreadsheet in Appendix) The gross building area calculation

is a combination of several elements:

• The net usable area of the spaces listed on the program spread sheets.

• A factor to estimate the additional area for horizontal and vertical

circulation space: corridors, stairs, elevators, and ramps. This may

account for +/- 20% of the gross area.

• An estimate of all the mechanical spaces needed to house the building

systems equipment. This may account for +/- 7% of the gross area.

• The space taken up by both exterior and interior walls, structural

columns and vertical shafts. These commonly may account for +/- 7.5%

of the gross area.

The circulation factor is largely dependent on the scheme and can vary

widely for several reasons. A building with assembly occupancy accommo-

dating large numbers of spectators will require larger corridors. The location

within the building of areas of assembly other than those at ground level

will require additional area for large egress stairs or ramps. Whenever users

are circulating in groups (teams) or as spectators additional width to corridors

must be considered. Similarly, widening corridors in selected locations

can encourage chance meetings, conversations, hanging out and generally

provide a more friendly and leisurely ambiance to the facility.

12SITE AMENITIES

In the work developed to date the general assumption has been that car

parking will be under certain areas of the building. Parking space counts will

be based on building codes and building population estimates. We have

not attempted to calculate these parking needs.

We have included in the Site section several additional vehicular require-

ments that will need accommodation either below the building or on

site. Examples are pick-up/drop-off areas, team bus parking, emergency

medical vehicle parking, and dedicated media broadcast truck spaces.

Additionally there have been preliminary conversations about an outdoor

component of playfields. We have included a brief list of possibilities but

have not attempted to quantify the area needed. This issue will be largely

dependent on site selection, availability of contiguous sites and land in

good proximity.

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VENUE AREA COMPARISON

(See drawing in Appendix)

To better understand and visualize the Space Program, we have developed

a one page Venue Area Comparison illustrating the relative size of each ven-

ue. To get a feel for scale we have drawn in the primary Field of Play (FOP)

in each venue. For example, the 400 m track is drawn in the Field House,

the four hockey ice sheets in the Ice Arena, the 52 m pool and diving tank

in the Aquatic Centre and several other activities are indicated.

Adjacent each FOP we show an additional area representing the support

spaces that are detailed in the program document. For each venue we also

have added a shaded block representing the portion of the gross building

area allocated to that venue. Note that the actual amount and disposition

of gross area will be a result of the design. And the goal is always to

minimize unprogrammed space.

We have included some rounded off overall dimensions to help understand

the magnitude of long clear spans that will likely be required. Structurally it

will be advantageous to have the longest spans as roofs rather than as floors.

Floor loading is greater than roof loading and vibration caused by repetitive

movement may be an issue. However while smaller spaces on lower floors

would be structurally advantageous, functionality will ultimately control

the layout.

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VENUE ADJACENCIES

Initially we need to recognize in a facility of this size with a complex program

that ultimately many adjacencies will be achieved via corridors and change

of floor levels. In the diagram we use the terms Strong, Normal and Weak to

distinguish the strength of anticipated relationships.

The diagram graphically illustrates the following relationships:

Assuming a main entry is part of #9 Support it will have strong relationships

to #7A Elite Training, #8 Lockers and #7B the Fitness Club. #9 Support will

also have a strong relationship to #5 Courts, #3 Aquatics and #2 Ice Arena

since we would expect many users will go to these venues without first

utilizing the Lockers. The relationship to the other venues will be normal.

We would expect #7A Elite Training will have normal relationships to all

of the athletic venues. #8 Lockers should have normal relationships with #1

Track, #5 Courts and #6 Combatives but weak relationships with #3 Aquatics,

#2 Ice Arena and #4 Gymnastics since these venues have their own lockers.

Depending on membership structure, #7B Fitness Centre/Club may have

a separate controlled entry off of the main entry. We expect that #7C

Wellness may be located in a separate tower structure but will still have an

interior link from the Main Entry.

RELATIONSHIP STRENGTH

STRONGNORMALWEAK

7A. FITNESS CLUB

7B. ELITETRAINING

9. ENTRY/SUPPORT

7C. WELLNESS

8. LOCKERS

1. TRACK

5. COURTS

4. GYMNASTICS

6 COMBATIVES

2. ICE ARENA

3. AQUATIC

RELATIONSHIP STRENGTH

STRONGNORMALWEAK

7A. FITNESS CLUB

7B. ELITETRAINING

9. ENTRY/SUPPORT

7C. WELLNESS

8. LOCKERS

1. TRACK

5. COURTS

4. GYMNASTICS

6 COMBATIVES

2. ICE ARENA

3. AQUATIC

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BLOCKING & STACKING

The program developed thus far, plus the dimensional constraints of prob-

able sites dictate a dense urbanistic approach to the blocking and stacking

of the venues. Besides the plan dimensions, the various interior clear

heights required for sport plus structural depth for long span beams will

strongly impact the blocking and stacking schemes. The depth of structure

will increase depending on the activity on the floor stacked above. Prelimi-

nary constraints based on the various programs include the following:

1. Fieldhouse and track Centre: The clear height will be controlled by

requirements for a kicked soccer ball or football. This could reach 21 m

(70 ft). The height requirement needs to be negotiated since it greatly

impacts the volume of the space. The long span over track plus seating

(122 m) required argues for a top level location in the stack. With conven-

tional construction the structural depth for the roof span would likely

be 7–10 m. As noted previously: the Alaska Dome in Anchorage is an Air

Supported Structure (bubble) 601 ft x 290 ft x 85 ft high with a 400 m

track. In that example the structural depth is minimal.

2. Ice Arena Centre: The clear height will likely be 12 m (40 ft) at a high

quality rink. However as four rinks are planned this height could be

reconsidered for some. The location in the stacking scheme would typi-

cally be a lower floor at grade to facilitate service with a Zamboni and

ice dumping, however a higher level is possible. Structural depth would

be 4–5 m.

3. Aquatic Centre: The clear height at the 10 m diving platform requires

15 m (45 ft). The height over the remainder of the pool could be less.

The location of the pool should be at the lowest floor level since the pool

bottom extends three meters and 5 m deep at the diving well. Roof

structural depth would be +/- 5 m.

4. Gymnastics Centre: The Clear height controlled by trampoline and

still rings may be 10–11 m. Location could be any level. Structural depth

would be +/- 4–5 m.

5. Courts Centre: The clear height for competition basketball, volleyball

or badminton is generally 12 m. Location could be any level. Structural

depth would be +/- 4–5 meters.

6. Combative Centre: The clear height should be 4–5 m. The location could

be at any level for Combatives sports however the weight lifting compo-

nent requires special consideration because of weight and impact loads.

A location on grade would be best for the weights component. Structural

depth of 2 m should generally be sufficient.

7. a. Elite Training Centre: The clear height of 4 m should be generally

sufficient except for an area where 9 m x 9 m x 9 m height is required.

Location could be any level however weight lifting requires special

consideration and would ideally be at grade. Structural depth should

not be an issue.

b. Membership Fitness Centre: The clear height should generally be 4 m,

however racquetball is 6 m, squash 4.6 m, and tennis 12 m. Location

could be any level however weight lifting requires special consideration.

Structural depth should not be an issue.

c. Wellness Centre: No structural or location issues are anticipated.

These spaces may be in adjacent office space.

8. Locker Rooms: No structural or location issues are anticipated. Plumbing

at grade level would be preferable. Functionally a centralized location

would be best for easy access to all venues.

9. Support and Amenities: No structural or location issues are anticipated.

We would expect the main entry and support would be at grade.

Architecturally and programmatically a high space connecting several

floor levels would be ideal.

10. Building Systems: Mechanical Rooms will likely be in multiple locations.

Noise, vibration, access to outside air, equipment exhaust and servicing

are issues. A mechanical penthouse can be considered but should

not be directly over a long span structure.

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DESCRIPTION OF USER

Besides the physical properties of the Venues, the identification of

the users and how they circulate through the facility is a key consideration

to the organization of the plan.

We see these primary user groups as follows:

• Elite Olympic Athletes, both as individuals and as teams, will train on

a regular schedule over an extended period of time. Their support staff

are coaches, trainers and administrative.

• Aspiring Elite Athletes engaged in specialized training will use the

facility on a sporadic basis.

• Members of the Fitness Club will likely be heavy users of that venue.

• Championships and tournament competition will occur every weekend

among various Provencal, university, club and school level teams.

• Spectators in large and small groups will visit to view competition and

support their teams.

• Markham based organized teams at various levels will use the venues

for practice and competition. Visiting opponent teams will come to

compete with against them.

• Clubs, for example Badminton, Table Tennis or Curling will be regular

users.

• Members of the general public, both adults and children will come

to take classes or compete (i.e. a badminton tournament).

• Members of the general public will come for recreation, to swim,

to skate or run on the indoor track on a sporadic basis.

• Wellness users visiting the various Wellness Centre departments

may come occasionally or regularly, possibly for physical therapy

and rehabilitation.

• Coaches, instructors, trainers and administrative staff will be daily users.

• Facility operations staff will work in the facility

• Users will anticipate a fully accessible facility

• Potential users may be students, faculty, and staff of a future university

located nearby.

52 / SASAKI

RECOMMENDATIONS & NEXT STEPS

The Space Program Study and Narratives should be thoroughly reviewed

and discussed to determine if there are any aspects of the venues that clearly

need reconsideration or if there are any obvious omissions. The program

is comprehensive in the listing of venues and support spaces. The optional

venues which we recommend are included and noted as such. The Space

Program gross area is large. Total gross area should be reviewed to confirm

that the overall size of the project is within the parameters that have been

targeted.

Based on the Program gross area, developers and other interested parties

could be contacted to gauge interest and gain information about how the

financial aspects of the project may be structured.

When the Program has generally been confirmed the “Test Fit” study would

commence.

• Assuming consensus on the buildable parameters of the site area, the

Fit study would first determine the minimum number of levels required

to accommodate the program irrespective of a specific layout. The gross

program divided by the site area would produce a rough FAR (Floor

Area Ratio).

• The largest plan dimensions of the major venues need to be overlaid

on the site since the actual portions of the site where they fit may

be limited. For example the dimensions of the track are approximately

600 ft x 300 ft.

• Blocking and stacking will require a series of iterations since while

physically the venue blocks may fit in a compact volume, the adjacen-

cies and circulation will determine internal organization.

William Winkler

Senior Associate

Chris Sgarzi

Principal

• During the Fit exercise the overall site context must be analyzed includ-

ing orientation, adjacent uses both existing and anticipated, traffic

patterns, public transportation, utility locations, and geotechnical issues

among others.

• Since this project is quite large, it may be expedient to consider phased

construction. In that instance the program should be prioritized.

• The internal organization will be developed by how best the varied

group of users will circulate and access their desired venues. This will

have clear design implications and drive the scheme.

• Developing scenarios for users walking through the building is also a

good test of any scheme. For example: The daily scenario for an elite

athlete training as a gymnast, or the scenario for a neighborhood teen

coming alone to shoot baskets, must both be accommodated.

Clearly multiple iterations will be required before an acceptable scheme

emerges.

Sasaki is pleased to submit this study and is enthusiastic to support

the project going forward.

Best regards,

54 / SASAKI

City of Markham

101 Town Center Boulevard

Markham, Ontario

Canada L3R 9W3

Jim Jones

Chair of MISTA

Regional Councillor

Brenda Librecz

Commissioner, Community

& Fire Services

Colin Service

Manager, Planning

& Policy Development

Recreation Services

Sasaki Associates

64 Pleasant Street

Watertown, MA 02472

www.sasaki.com

Chris Sgarzi

Principal in Charge

William Winkler

Senior Associate

Project Management

& Programming

Elizabeth Hallett

Graphic Designer

Contact Sasaki Associates

for more information:

William Winkler

wwinkler@sasaki.com

t: 1.617.923.7254

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS