Jordan Melo
jmelo@ltu.edu WebsiteJordan Melo is a senior graduating architecture student from Lawrence Technological University. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Jordan completed his advanced diploma in Architectural Technology in April of 2022 at Sheridan College in Canada and transferred to Lawrence Technological University in 2022 to complete his undergraduate studies in Architecture. Jordan aims to explore the professional industry through practical experience to improve his architectural knowledge and create impactful, meaningful architecture in the built environment.
TITLE 
The Soo Locks Community Recreation Center
MajorArchitecture [BS]
DescriptionThe Soo Locks Community Recreation Center aspires to become a vibrant community hub within Sault Saint Marie. The project addresses the rising need for third places and recreational facilities around the local neighborhood. The project proposes a design centered around accessibility, as census data suggests that 15.6% of residents have a disability. The Water Street site, in particular, offers close connectivity to local residential neighborhoods, which assist with physical access to the site. Currently, the site is home to several key buildings that engage with the rich history of Sault Ste Marie, which suggests a need to preserve and incorporate them into the design proposal. The site offers a significant opportunity to develop Sault Ste Marie's waterfront, which provides the need to be considerate of nature so that the proposal can co-exist with the project. The consideration of existing elements is supplemented by critical outdoor facilities connected by natural elements. Outdoor facilities consist of a multi-purpose sports zone that allows multi-season leisure activities and a playground surrounded by natural elements.
The design proposal utilizes a sawtooth roof to generate Photovoltaic electricity and solar thermal heating. The roof system also utilizes translucent lighting apertures towards the sawtooth's north face, allowing for energy generation, solar thermal heating, and natural daylighting. The roof system also has an integrated water management system, as sawtooth roofs are notorious for failure due to pooling. The roof design aims to leverage water accumulation by collecting it into a water cistern for greywater throughout the building.