PEO York Chapter Presents – Structural Engineering the Queen Richmond Centre West

March 10, 2016
531 Atkinson Ave., Thornhill, Ontario

In 2010, Allied Properties REIT commissioned Sweeny & Co Architects (&Co) to design a landmark mixed-use development. Given the positioning of the two existing heritage structures on the site, Sweeny&Co engaged Stephenson Engineering and presented the structural engineering firm with the challenge of suspending an office building above the two existing structures. This configuration would form a large L-shaped, glass-enclosed atrium with direct access from streets to the east and south of the complex as well as to a mid-block public lane to the north. &Co’s desire to offer office space with clean, unobstructed ceilings drove their selection to an exposed reinforced concrete structural system for the 11-storey tower.

Stephenson developed a solution which called for the creation of a “tabletop” platform seven stories in the air from which the office building could be constructed. The tabletop’s supporting structure was a significant challenge considering the enormous loads involved, the need for lateral stiffness given the eccentric location of the elevator core, the more than 75-ft unbraced height from the top of the foundation level to the underside of the tabletop, and the architectural desire to support the building above with a structure that wouldn’t clutter the atrium.

About the Presenter

Zoran Tanasijevic, P.Eng., Principal at Stephenson Engineering has over 25 years of experience in structural engineering, designing and managing projects in all major sectors of development. He has a passion for structural design that is evident in his attention to detail, his creative and practical design concepts and his attentive client service.

Zoran has worked on a wide variety of projects including data centres, airports, commercial, residential and institutional buildings in Canada, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Russia, North Africa and the United States.

With experience in all sectors of structural design, examples of his work include Ryerson University Student Campus Centre, Bank of Montreal Computer Centre, Casino Rama and Southcore Financial Centre, a prestigious office and hotel development in the Toronto downtown core.

Zoran has completed numerous award winning projects throughout his career, including Lester B. Pearson’s new Terminal Building, The Gate mixed-use development in Doha, Qatar and Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre for the University of Toronto.

Friends are welcome and networking encouraged!

Fee: $15/pp includes refreshments

Rick Vender, P.Eng.
Program Director – PEO York Chapter
program@peoyork.com