RDHA recipient of RAIC 2018 Architectural Firm Award

In the RAIC 2018 Architectural Firm Award media release issued today, the distinguished five-member selection jury recognized RDHA for the “remarkable consistency throughout the last 10 to 15 years of work by a younger generation of designers that have taken over the firm and kept the lineage and re-established themselves as a leading designing firm in Toronto.”

The jury went on to say, “For the successors to rebuild the firm and reputation and deliver a fresh portfolio of completed projects, is exceptionally difficult,” noting that many firms in Canada are currently in transition, some bought out or consolidated.

On behalf of the firm RDHA Managing Principal Bob Goyeche said, “We are truly delighted to accept this prestigious award which validates our commitment to the creation of clear, sustainable, and progressive public architecture. We thank all of the dedicated and talented colleagues who have been essential to our ongoing evolution.”

The award will be presented at the RAIC/AANB Festival of Architecture that takes place in Saint John, New Brunswick from May 30 to June 2.

Springdale Library official opening

Congratulations to the community of Springdale, City of Brampton, and the Brampton Library leadership team on the official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony today at the new Springdale Library. The Major emphasized how the new library and the adjacent Komagat Maru Park, which will open in the months to come, will inspire and connect members of the community with welcoming spaces to meet and learn. The LEED Gold facility includes a number of interesting features including a video wall, green roof, geothermal heating, and unique maker space with 3D printers.

Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex breaking ground this summer

The Surrey City Council have approved the budget allowing the new Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex to move forward, with ground breaking planned for this summer. This new community twin-pad facility is to be located within the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, south of 64 Avenue and just east of 177B Street in the City of Surrey, BC.

RDHA with Taylor Kurtz Architecture + Design have come up with a design that rethinks the traditional model for the building type by bringing daylight and views to the arenas and exposing their activity to the street. The ice surfaces are placed end to end, and fully glazed on their long north sides.

For updates on the project visit the City’s project webpage

Architectural Record features Old Post Office Idea Exchange acoustics discussion

The recent Architectural Record Continuing Education: Acoustics article says the "Old Post Office Idea Exchange...represents a new breed of library...intended as dynamic, gathering places...they address more challenging acoustic issues than libraries have historically faced."

In the article RDHA principal Tyler Sharp describes how materials were selected for both their acoustics and aesthetic qualities. "The Idea Exchange primarily uses perforated acoustic drywall to achieve the desired Noise Reduction Coefficients (NRCs). The material meets a budget that Tyler Sharp, principal at RDHA, describes as difficult, given the ambitions of the project. But it also has desired aesthetic qualities, says Sharp. Its continuous, uniform dot pattern flows evenly across the atrium ceiling’s angular geometry, and the dots relate neatly to the pattern of the curtain wall’s ceramic frit.”

Note that in the Spring 2018 the client updated the project name to Idea Exchange Old Post Office.

Rob Bokyo Retires

Looking forward to travelling and immersing himself in new and cheerful cultures, senior principal Rob Bokyo retires after over four decades with the RDHA studio. Through his thoughtful leadership Rob helped to build RDHA into a well recognized and respected Canadian design firm. His extensive experience included leading consulting teams in the design and construction of large and complex transit facilities, secure buildings, commercial and governmental office buildings, and post-secondary education facilities. Rob will no doubt continue to be active in the Toronto design community, and we wish Rob all the best as he enters this next exciting chapter.