S I G H T L I N E S
COMMUNITY THEATRE 2021
SIGHTLINES Theatre is a performing arts centre located within the Centre In The Square, Kitchener, ON. The complex provides facilities, such as theatres, rehearsal/practice spaces, accommodation and studios for aspiring artists. Re-imagining the existing police station, Sightlines creates a sense of place that acknowledges the flawed colonial past to create an inclusive and inviting space for the community to gather. Creating key sightlines between existing cultural hubs establishes a connection to the site. These lines include the Registry, Civic Centre Park and the old “gaol yard.” These sightlines then cut through and determine the geometry of the new building to form the visual circulation around the building. They then confluence at the centre of the lobby and the entrance to the sculpture garden, which become concentrated points of cultural synergy, encounters and gatherings.
1. aKitchener Public Library; 2. Center in the Square performance hall; 3. New Police Station; 4. Canada Revenue Agency; 5: Waterloo Region Administraion
SITE PLAN
PARTI DIAGRAMS
ESTABLISH place
CONNECT to place
BUILD in place
1.
2.
3.
GROUND FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
THIRD FLOOR
BASEMENT
SUSTAINABILITY
Community involvement is the route to a healthy sustainable community. Sightlines achives this from the moment it breaks ground with locals responsible for creating the glazed tiles for the interior walls. They are further involved through the community gardens and cooking courses offered on campus. These acts create a pride of ownership enabling Sightlines to thrive long into the future.
The link between arts and the people was also important with informal performance areas on teraces and in the old “Gaol Yard.” These unique areas are patched together by the meandering path through the sculpture gardens that raise an awareness for local artists, providing a sustainable network of support moving forward.