Markham, Ontario

Arthur Erickson Architects Richard Stevens Architect

Situated at the northwest corner of Warden Avenue and Highway 7 is Markham's new Civic Centre. It is an architectural expression of the coming of age of this industrious municipality.

The walls are faced with pinkish-buff reconstituted stone masonry set against smooth precast concrete panels. The building stretches along the northwest edge of a large man-made pond which serves as a reflecting pool for most of the year, and a skating rink during winter.

The plan is divided into two major functional components which reflect the municipal structure. To the east is a four-story wing which accommodates the policy makers. Program spaces include offices for the Mayor and City Councilors, the Council Chamber, and a cafeteria at the water's edge.

To the west stretches a three-story component which accommodates the policy administrators and related departments. These two formal building components meet at the main entrance which takes the form of a terracing glazed foyer.