Ontario’s Celebration Zone for the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games is the primary destination for unique interactive events and experiences during the Games. The objective was to create two large-scale, temporary structures within the confines of Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre that would showcase Ontario’s identity and house a line-up of more than 500 free events, including concerts and activities.
Hariri Pontarini Architect’s design creates a sense of occasion. The arched and undulating pavilions frame stunning views across the site and towards Toronto Harbour while creating a dramatic art installation in the urban landscape. Built out of air beams joined by a quilted inflatable fabric skin, the two pavilions cover approximately 13,000 and 4,000 square feet respectively, and are anchored and shaped to withstand extreme wind forces. The vaulted shapes reach a peak of 50 feet and 32 feet respectively and curvilinear openings along the sides give a sense of lightness to the overall form and facilitate access and circulation through and across the site.
The project delivery was a coordinated effort led by Ellis Don with event programming provided by Lord Cultural Resources. Hariri Pontarini Architects with Thornton Thomasetti and Blackwell Engineers delivered an iconic structure of translucent waves composed of fabric and air.
