NEWH - Fall 2012 - (Page 18)

Design 101 Convention Center Conventional Wisdom After 13 years and more than 15,000 events, Ontario’s Mississauga Convention Centre owner Manuel Silveira and his partners decided it was time to modernize their 50,000-square-foot facility. Once again they turned to Ralph Grittani of Toronto-based RGC Design Group to lead the project; it was Grittani’s firm who designed the building and finished the interior originally in 1999. Appreciating the scope of work required to complete the renovation, Grittani called on interior designer Susan Burnside to collaborate with his team on the project. CHALLENGE: Clockwise from far left: Four images of the new Mississauga Convention Centre: oor-to-ceiling sheers feature a owing copper ribbon pattern; a rendering of the new bridal suite; the designers created a modern, clean-lined bathroom; and contemporary artwork throughout adds a touch of color. Together they have taken what was a tired, dated interior and transformed it into a dynamic space that balances the formality of corporate client functions, with the fantasy and whimsy that weddings and gala events desire—all in just six weeks thanks to the client’s full event schedule. For the lobby and dining rooms the team proposed some bold and dramatic changes, which included the removal of arched bulkheads and traditional columns in exchange for deep toned millwork, curved mirrored walls, and luxurious draperies to divide the space when multiple functions are occurring at the same time. Traditional components have been reinterpreted in a modern way, while large custom pieces of contemporary artwork provide hits of color throughout the lobby. A unique design element located at the main entrance is the full-height waterwall, which features SOLUTION: a curtain of crystals and media and video capabilities. Exterior windows have been dressed in oor-to-ceiling sheers with a owing copper ribbon pattern and custom pendant light xtures with crystals that echo those used on the water feature and add a sense of drama. During the day the sun casts wavy shadows across the tiles, while at night, the window coverings provide privacy from the busy street outside. Lounge seating throughout the lobby entices guests to sit, while the ooring in the lobby is a combination of carpet and tile, which provides visual interest with the honed and polished tiles installed in checkerboard patterns. Meanwhile, the custom laser-cut oor tile at the main entrance acts as a horizontal plane supporting the water feature. Passing through the ballroom doors, guests enter a space that is grand and intimate at the same time. ere’s an organic but a uent carpet on the oor, warm paint tones, crystal wall sconces, and tufted upholstered panels that ank each column. e bars have been clad in the same chocolate millwork from the lobby and accent panels of onyx echo the inset found on the ballroom doors. e color-changing LED lighting in the co ered ceilings allows for customization for any event. e bridal suites now provide an oasis in which the bride can primp before making her grand entrance, with full-length stone countertops with a vessel sink and two makeup areas each with their own illuminated mirror wall. A sliding barn door on the water closet does double duty as a space saver and a modern touch. ❙❘❚ www.mississaugaconvention.com; www.rgcdesigngroup.com 18 www.newh.org http://www.mississaugaconvention.com http://www.rgcdesigngroup.com http://www.newh.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - Fall 2012

NEWH - Fall 2012
Table of Contents
News
Who’s Who
Sustainability: Point of View
Sustainability: Conference Recap
Design 101
Icon of Industry
Q&A: Christine Wasmer
Q&A: Rich Gesteland
Have You Seen?
Product Know How
On the Scene
American Atelier
Project: Scarpetta Dining Pavilion
Project: St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort
Save the Date
New Members
Partner Profiles
Ad Index

NEWH - Fall 2012