100 Broadview Avenue

Project team

Architect
BDP Quadrangle

Client
Hullmark Developments Ltd.

service

Completion

2015

The Project

Orange highlights and striking forms lead from the street through the lobby in this renovated commercial building that proposes adaptive reuse can re-engage the city and become an exemplar for universal access. The new lobby relates the street to the new entrance and opens up the former basement as a lower ground level, establishing a clear urban connection and distinctive brand for the building with a universally-accessible form.

Recognizing the value of a building with a fully inclusive entrance and a bold identity, the building’s owner gave up leasable space in order to transform the entryway into a striking statement at grade, with a series of ramps that demarcate the property as a creative hub open to strollers, bicycles and mobility devices.

The BDP Quadrangle-led team’s solution for the 100 Broadview Avenue lobby effectively uses universal design on a number of levels to welcome those with vision loss and all levels of mobility. The first impact upon entering the lobby is a dynamic and interesting space: vibrant, high-contrast pathways give visual clarity, while the bold, orange feature ramp accommodates mobility devices of various widths. Additionally, colourful, custom-designed wayfinding elements are carried throughout the building's hallways and shared areas to provide clear navigation and branding.

*Design led by BDP Quadrangle with support from Human Space

Project Images

a universal washroom clearly identified by a bright red door decorated with a contrasting white, life-sized universal symbol of access

The bright red wayfinding elements identify this as the second level of this successfully revitalized commercial office building.

large, bold blue graphic signage on the walls, doors, and elevators identifying directions and room uses on the third floor of 100 Broadview

Colourful, custom-designed wayfinding elements are carried throughout the building's hallways and shared areas to provide clear navigation and branding.

aerial view of a man walking a bicycle up a bright orange ramp in an office building lobby

Vibrant, high-contrast pathways give visual clarity, while the bold, orange feature ramp accommodates mobility devices of various widths.

a man sits on a wooden bench in a raw concrete lobby with bright orange access ramps

The design for 100 Broadview's lobby won numerous awards, including a Silver Award from the International Association for Universal Design (IAUD) Awards in Japan.

a person walks their bike up the bright orange ramp of the 100 Broadview Avenue lobby, which is predominantly concrete with orange details

With its feature ramp and bright, high-contrast pathways, 100 Broadview demonstrates how universal design goes beyond mere accessibility.