Brianna Varcoe
Brianna's passion for interior design started at a very young age. Through drawing and art she quickly found an interest in the built environment and the spaces that surrounded her. Sustainability and design psychology are subjects in which she has found an appreciation and interest in during her four years of schooling. Her vision as a designer is to create spaces that are not only beautiful but accessible, innovative, and timeless.
Project Overview
Active Energy Physio is a space that provides rejuvenation through nature. This physical therapy centre located at 21 Ossington Avenue in Toronto, Ontario utilizes biophilic design and immersive technology to create a unique, warm, and welcoming environment where both patients and staff can provide and receive life-enhancing treatment such as physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, hydrotherapy, and more. The way in which this will be achieved is through motion.
Click to enlarge
Parti Diagrams: Curvilinear Applications
Concept/Design Process
The concept of motion derives from the connection between the human body and nature. From the human spine to the ocean waves, motion through curvilinear form can be found. Through motion both the body and nature can heal, and when put together create an environment where humans can thrive, enhance, and be one with themselves and the natural world.
Site Plan/Floor Plan(s)
Active Energy Physio is located at 21 Ossington Avenue in Toronto, Ontario. The closest major road is Queen Street West which is located just South of the building. The surrounding neighborhood is diverse from small shopping boutiques to diners and cafes to residential homes. A major appeal of this location is the accessibility to the site; constant TTC transit is available, with a bus stop being located right in front of the building.
The ground floor is where the majority of the treatment is administered through the open treatment, gym, and private treatment along the front, and the hydrotherapy toward the back, all located on the ground floor. The second floor is less used and quiet, which provides the perfect environment for the dedicated massage rooms. Upstairs is also where the immersive technology is integrated within the space through the open and provate immersive post-treatment lounge(s). Natural and organic forms can be found throughout the plans which supports the concept of motion.
Click to enlarge
Site Plan of 21 Ossington Avenue
Click to enlarge
Ground Floor Plan
Click to enlarge
Second Floor Plan
Click to enlarge
Ground Floor: Open Treatment
Click to enlarge
Ground Floor: Gym
Click to enlarge
Second Floor: Immersive Post-Treatment Lounge
3D Views
The 3d renderings showcase how biophilic design and immersive technology are combined and utilized in a physical therapy space. Major details found within these 3d renderings is the use of light oak wood which brings in natural warmth into the spaces. Organic forms as well as neutral/natural colours and materials are used alongside the wood to further enhance the warm, calming, and welcoming environment.
Poster
The poster for Active Energy Physio itself reflects the feeling in which the design conveys: minimal, natural, and neutral. This poster displays the important information such as the project concept statement, floor plans, and key renders. Smaller details such as materials and parti concept diagrams are also included.
Active Energy Physio poster.
