Considering the challenges ‘bricks and mortar’ retail faces from online commerce, the goal was to create not only a retail destination, but also to provide a sheltered and appealing place for the entire family to play, 走, 购物,尽情享受美食.
The outdoor-facing shops; the emphasis on pedestrian circulation; the distinctive rest and lounge areas complete with fireplaces, wifi /充电站, 水的声音, 舒服的椅子, 和游乐场, all add up to a unique and successful experience for the region.
The landscape design vision references the geographies and geologies of the area – the Ottawa River valley, 湿地, the Gatineau hills – in the angular planters, 瀑布特色, and the use of regional trees and shrubs. A more ecological part of the project entailed the restoration and planting of the adjacent Feedmill Creek, along with new trails to local recreational facilities. 在商业方面, certain pavers are arranged to evoke a bar code with engraved Tanger and RioCan contact numbers.
Following the success of this project, IBI was retained to work on a second phase which opened in summer 2017.