Architectural Analysis of Muttart Conservatory

1. Architectural Analysis of Muttart Conservatory Name: Bradley C. White Class: ArchE 203 Lab: A

2. HISTORY The Muttart Conservatory is a horticultural display garden that brings together a collection of plants from a diverse range of climatic conditions. Muttart Conservatory was designed in the early 1970’s by architect Peter Hemmingway. He had visioned to combine the practical requirements for plant height with a striking visual effect. The pyramids officially opened in September 1976 in Edmonton, Alberta Canada, but the ending of construction came when the 3,700 square meter greenhouse complex was completed in 1980. The six support greenhouses are connected to the main conservatory by means of a tunnel. The functions of these greenhouses are to meet the demands for foliage and glowering plant material for the display pyramids. They also supply the gift shop, civic contracts, and the bedding plant requirements for civic parks. The Gladys and Merrill Muttart Foundation donated half of the $2 million construction cost, with the City of Edmonton and the Province of Alberta providing the balance. Through the designing of the four pyramids, they feature a small skylight located over the Centre Court atrium area. Each display pyramid maintains unique environmental conditions to meet the needs of the plants housed within. The Muttart Conservatory was more than just a botanic garden; it hosts many of the Providences premier floral shows, educational programs for children, horticultural courses for adults and continues as a very popular site for weddings, banquets and business functions.

3. Building Use (Presently) The four glass pyramids of the Muttart Conservatory invite visitors to enjoy the different floral worlds within. The unique indoor garden brings together a collection of plants from a diverse range of climatic conditions. The four pavilions, the Tropical, Arid, Temperate, and Show pavilions display more than 700 species of plants, each in unique climatic and environmental conditions. The Tropical pyramid houses jungle-like growth in high humidity. It contains one of North America’s largest collections of orchid species. The Arid pyramid with its desert conditions features cacti, the Temperate pavilion’s rainforest changes with the seasons. The Show pavilion features seasonal floral exhibits. The Muttart offers rental options for weddings, meetings, and other special events. There is a gift shop, an art gallery, and a Gourmet Goodies Café. They also have plant sales and education tours for school kids.

4. General Information Address: 9626-96A Street Edmonton, Alberta T6C4L8 Hours: Open Year-round 9:00 am-6:00pm Mon. Fri. 11:00 am-6:00 pm, Sat., Sun., and Holidays Daily Admissions: Adult $5.50 Child (2-12) $3.00 Senior/Youth $4.50 Family $17.00 Facilities/Services Onsite: Cafeteria/Restaurant Free parking Gift shop Restrooms

5. Architectural Analysis • Organizational Layout • Circulation • Proportion and Scale/Ordering Principles The Tropical and Temperate Pyramids: Measure 660 square meters and 24 meters in height for the floor to the apex The Arid and Show Pyramids: Are slightly smaller at 381 square meters and 18 meters in height. The Center Court atrium is 1319 square meters – it provides circulation between the four display pyramids and houses the admissions area, gift shop, Café, and administration offices.

6. Organizational Layout Muttart Conservatory was designed for a tourist enabling easy and simple access to and from the pyramids. The Center Court is conveniently located in the center of the pavilions providing access into everything. The store shops and pavilions surround the Center Court giving a variety of places to choose from in your desired surrounding. There is one entryway into the pyramids. Located central east on the map you will see that is the entrance and place to pay. There is another exit besides from the place of entrance, that is, directly west of the entrance. Additional exits besides the place to entrance and the west exits are provided, but they are emergency use only exits and are located inside each of the four pavilions. The greenhouse is located outside the pyramids to keep all unwanted personnel out. The greenhouse is off limits to the public.

7. Cont. of Organizational Layout

8. Circulation The arrangement of Muttart Conservatory is very easy to get from one place to another. Everything can be accessed from the center of the Conservatory. The gift shop, café, restrooms, meeting room, and pavilions are all accessible within the Center Court.

9. Proportion and ScaleandOrdering Principles The Muttart Conservatory is very symmetric. As you can see every space is designed to match with its adjacent sides. The style in which the same size Temperate and Tropical Pavilions are, they are displayed in a diagonal magnitude with each other as for the same with the Arid and Show Pavilions. The keeps the fours pyramids from giving off a dull and boring look. The two bigger of the four pyramids, Temperate and Tropical, has a height of 24 meters. Compared to the 18 meter Arid and Show Pavilions, the Temperate and Tropical Pavilions hold vegetation that required as greater amount of sunlight and is maintained at its designed height.

10. Cont. of Proportion and Scale & Ordering Principles

11. Site-Related Aspects, Parking Facilities Muttart Conservatory settles in the hills of Edmonton Canada. It is clearly visible driving throughout the city. Not only are the pyramids tall, but there are few trees within the near area. The reason for this is so the biomes can feed off the natural sunlight. There is a designated parking area for all quests at the Muttart Conservatory. It is conveniently located approximately 100 meters northwest from the entrance. They also meet ADA regulations providing ramp access and other disabled capabilities.