| August 2001
MEC Toronto Design for a Post-Consumerist Society |
.page 2 of 4
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| The store is a visible
lesson of ecological construction techniques. It uses local durable
materials such as Owen Sound ledge rock, recycled content in its concrete
mix, and reused steel and wood structural members. MEC proves that
architecture is more than skin deep. Rather than being covered by
artificial surfaces such as acoustic panels, gypsum board, or plastic laminates,
the Co-op's interior finishes expose the inherent qualities of the building's
construction materials (wood, steel, concrete, etc.). Natural daylighting
provides much of the store's daytime lighting needs through its storefront
windows, skylights, and clerestory windows located above the central atrium
space. The clerestory windows are also operable and contribute to
natural ventilation in coordination with the building's computer monitored
mechanical systems.
Fifty percent of the roof is a planted meadow of weather resistant grasses, flowers, and shrubs. Roof gardens not only insulate and provide greater roof durability, but they also absorb rain water and reduce run-off to the sewer system - nevermind the benefits of oxygenation, carbon sinking, and greening of the city. Imagine what our cities would be like if most flat roofs supported natural gardens! |
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Although MEC has
succeeded in demonstrating ecological building techniques, the Toronto
store does little to go beyond the 'granola/no frills' stereotype that
plagues the North American public's perception of green architecture.
Environmentally conscious designers have to take a leadership role in creating
beautiful places that inspire and remind us of our existence between the
earth and sky. Going beyond ecodesign 'because it is good for us'
means that light, materials, the cycles of the seasons, etc. come together
in a building to remind us of what it is to be human and to sensually live
in harmony with nature.
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