The project began with intensive coordination with the base building architect, developer, and consulting engineers. Initial studies included test fitting space plans to determine options for numbers, sizes and relationships amongst classrooms and assembly spaces. TTC developed multiple iterations to analyze egress and other life safety requirements, and advocated aggressively for Civic Hall’s needs as the base building plans were developed. Determining the size and location of openings in the structural slabs was an especially complex undertaking, requiring TTC’s coordination amongst the base building’s structural engineering team, the base building developer, and Civic Hall.

TTC worked closely with a human-centric design consultant who analyzed and assessed the current and future needs of Civic Hall’s internal members, and the numerous community stakeholders with a vested interest in the project’s success. Focus groups and visioning sessions with the community resulted in a program tailored to the needs of the project’s prospective occupants.

Additionally, by developing the project through 3D BIM software, TTC and its consultants, together with the base building team ensured an integrated and coordinated model and project delivery. Project models were shared with the construction manager and contractors to ensure accurate take-offs for detailed estimates throughout the design process - as well as for advance clash detection and coordination. This constant integration and interface of multiple parties allowed for the timeline of Civic Hall’s interior fit-out to coordinate with the larger overall build-out of the base building and was a key to the project’s success.