The Banana Boat ice cream parlor has been a Winnipeg mainstay for as long as I can remember. The site itself is as nostalgic as the chocolate ice cream cones they are famous for.

Upon learning that we would have the opportunity to visit and study the site I was thrilled - all of my childhood memories flooded back to me like brain freeze.  However upon arriving on the site what I saw was not what I remembered, perhaps my recent years of design specific education has left me jaded, but the interior was something to be forgotten, not remembered. 

My first observation was the lack of space for customers to wait for and/or order their ice cream.  I was then drawn to the awkward changes in ceiling heights and mis-matched ceiling tiles which contributed to the over-riding claustrophobic feelings I got while being in the space.  The materials seemed cheap and had, to put it kindly, seen better days. The lighting was another contributing factor to the over-riding discomfort the space provides. 

The back of house was no exception.  The office - a make shift space furnished with a now out of service grill - was uncomfortable to stand in, let alone work in.  There was a blatant disregard for ergonomics or any desire to create an efficient working environment.  The staff washroom was a hybrid space: washroom - storage facility - water cooler closet and was a clear indication that a redesign is more than necessary. 

I look forward to my role as Prof. Interior Designer as it will allow me the opportunity to study an existing interior environment from the perspective of primary and secondary user (both staff and customer).  I also look forward to finding new ways in which we can make this valuable site more interesting and functional.

I am excited to have the opportunity to study the demographics of the surrounding area and find ways to engage the public as well as create a space that will be comfortable for employees - regardless of what direction we choose to take the site. 

Madi.

Indoor Systems 1 - Blog 1

Over the past 33 years, generations of customers have visited The Banana Boat; last week I had a chance to do the same. I took exterior measurements, including elevations, and made notes of my observations during the site tour. Though it was originally a Dairy Queen franchise, the building has remained the same since construction; consequently this neighborhood gem could use a polish. The interior does not offer a space for customers to convene, but they may take their Avalanches down the back trail that runs through Don Togo Park and around the river to The Forks. The reader board out front, on which customers can announce best wishes to their nearest and dearest, plays an integral role in the business’ connection to Winnipegers. Nostalgia has transformed this “hobby” ice cream shop into a community icon.

As a LEED Consultant I hope to provide technical leadership to certify that the team creates an environmentally responsible solution with long-term sustainability. I am interested in this role because it ensures that the team, including business owners, like Ruth, be equipped with the necessary tools to have a considerable impact on the building’s performance.

I look forward to examining this project from a variety of roles so I will be able to discern all components of building design. In doing so, I also expect to adopt terminology and technical skills that facilitate team communication. Moreover, I hope to gain knowledge, which extends beyond basic system principles and methods to an understanding of the interrelationships among the systems. 

-Ashley W. (PM)

LEED Consultant/ Interior Designer

Electrical Systems

The Banana Boat site visit gave our team the chance to explore and investigate the multiple systems in the existing structure.  As the electrical engineer I assisted in measuring and drawing the floor plan and reflected ceiling plan.  Focusing on the location and quantity of lighting and electrical systems, I began to understand the importance of an electrical engineer in a project.

I found it interesting to take the perspective of an electrical engineer.  Electrical systems are somewhat foreign to me and are not normally an aspect I would pay attention to in an existing building.  After investigating the Banana Boat I am curious as to how efficient the lighting and electrical systems currently are.  Minimal fluorescents light the back room and many corners are left dark.  Cords from freezers and machines are left visible and electrical panels are left undisguised. 

I am interested in learning more about electrical systems and how I can work with other members of my team to solve some of the issues visible in the Banana Boat.  I hope to gain knowledge that will produce a designed space that successfully integrates all indoor systems.       

- Stephanie Hill 

  Electrical Engineer

Blog 1_Roles & Objectives

ROLE: LEED Consultant

(The US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

September 16th me and my classmates went on a nice little journey to the Banana Boat, a Winnipeg institution since 1977, located at 390 Osbourne S. On the site visit I assisted in measuring  (with Madi & Steph) the Banana Boat  interior to help create a floor plan and reflected ceiling plan.  We divided the roles among us and I am now one of the the "LEED consultants". 

I find the role interesting because it will provide an insight to this internationally recognized third-party verification system. I want to be able to identify and recommend practical green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions in my studio and future endeavors and contribute to a more sustainable building practice.

As it stands, indoor systems remain very mysterious to me. They affect every space I enter, and should affect the spaces I design in studio, but other than turning them on or off I have very little knowledge of how indoor systems work and how to design them to be more efficient and sustainable. I would like to learn a better understanding of detail drawings of these systems and gain the tools to create them for myself. In addition to indoor systems I would also like to gain knowledge of general building systems and construction so that I can more efficiently talk to and learn from engineers and architects now and in my future work and education.

Site Plan:

Cliff G. 

LEED consultant 

Mechanical Systems

My role for the visit to Banana Boat was the mechanical engineer. In addition to noting mechanical systems, I measured the exterior elevations and took photographs.

I find the mechanical engineer role interesting because it is an area that I do not usually work with. I hope have a better understanding of mechanical systems and how they relate to interior design through these assignments.

Throughout our investigation, I would like to be able to; identify sustainable forms of power; compare heating systems and cooling methods, understand system commissioning and identify issues of human comfort with regard to HVAC. (Tucker, 80)

My initial observation was the amount of systems within such a small building. I noticed at least 7 components throughout Banana Boat that appear to be part of mechanical systems. I would expect to be familiar with even more mechanical components after having a more well rounded understanding of the topic.

Another initial reaction to the site was the permanence of mechanical systems. I noticed in the office, the hood that once existed over a grill was still present. This makes me wonder how difficult it is to remove or change mechanical systems. Also, if this hood was removed from the office, how might it impact our environment as waste?

I hope to be able to answer questions such as these in the future.   

-Natasha