Jessica Byers
Hello, I’m Jessica! My thesis explored how evidence-based interior design can benefit the career and personal development of competitive athletes, aged 17-25. An Athlete Development and Training Hub at 21 Ossington Avenue, Toronto, will serve as a ‘home base’ for athletes to meet, work and access resources between sports commitments.
Project Overview
As a competitive curling athlete, this designer focused on addressing the gap in inclusivity and accessibility to accommodate sports and athletes who may lack tailored support systems. This project should be treated as a guide for future institutions, teams, and organizations who look to improve or expand on their current business model and facilities to answer the question of how they can better support their athletes. It will include amenities such as game broadcast viewing, a media studio, physical and mental health spaces, communal kitchen, and more. “It will not only relieve stress, but some of these spaces will enhance my performance as an athlete that I would’ve never known I needed.” - Ontario Athlete Survey Response (Byers, 2023).
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Conceptual Development Diagrams
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Focal Area 'Bleachers' Sketch
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Focal Area 'Bleachers' Sketch
Concept/Design Process
Through a system of connections and layers, creating an upward movement communicates the strength and lifestyles of young athletes. The concept revolves around the sequence of words: Envision, Hone and Leverage. Personal development in sport is not a linear path to success, so it is important to allow each user to navigate the building in a predictable and personal way.
The main double-height focal area ‘bleachers’ were inspired to replicate the joys of gathering to celebrate sports. Data was collected through interviews with athletic therapists, sport institution directors, athlete career development coordinators, sport and media experts, through an athlete survey and case studies. Incorporating holistic interior design strategies such as specific lighting applications, inspiring use of materiality and graphics, and effective wayfinding aims to promote increased awareness of physical, psychological, and interpersonal well-being. The design of the community, health and wellness, co-working spaces, and media based spaces balanced a complementary colour scheme, natural materials, contrasted with select existing building characteristics. “Going forward is to develop, not just athletes, but to develop people” - Brandnew Athlete Transformation Program, Jamie Pitblado (Byers, 2023).
Site Plan/Floor Plan(s)
The main entry of the building from Ossington Ave. was designed with a diagonal angle so that as people enter, they are immediately greeted to the double-height lounge/atrium featuring a striking oversized stair/bench seating. Built from solid oak wood, it is inspired by sport bleachers that overlook a floor to ceiling video wall where games of all sports can be broadcasted, or to host events.
As you move around to the back end of level 1 is where the mental health and physical health based spaces are located. The upper level hosts the co-working hub which includes a variety of work stations for different types of learners, as well as offices for academic, sport career or financial support. Meeting rooms and a game broadcasting room are available for focused sport analysis and video call meetings, which is integral to the schedules of young athletes. A large communal kitchen and cafeteria is open-concept overlooking the main atrium. It's layout aims to promote and host group meal preparation seminars and collaboration. Also featured are a nap room and a multi-sensory room which as important to the recovery process of athletes. Lastly, a media creation room and photography studio are available for athletes to leverage their social media presence leading to potential brand deals.
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West Elevation
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North Building Section
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Exploded Axonometric
Sections/Elevations
A focal feature wall immediately gives the users a sense of confidence and inspiration. Athletes and staff should feel like they are apart of a greater community. Athletes are often viewed in a celebrity light and are inspirational figures. It was important that young athletes of all sports feel at ease and provide a comfortable environment where they can be themselves. Motivational graphics are featured throughout the design as a means of wayfinding as well.
3D Views
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View from Level 1 Entry
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View from Level 1 Lounge
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Athletic Therapy Clinic
