Tanger Kanata Outlet
Tanger and RioCan retained IBI Group to work with New York architect, Create, to envision a contemporary commercial landscape for the Ottawa area that would become a regional shopping destination.
Client
RioCanLocation
Ottawa, ON
A regional shopping destination for Ottawans that references the surrounding geography
Considering the challenges ‘bricks and mortar’ retail faces from online commerce, the goal was to create not only a retail destination, but also to provide a sheltered and appealing place for the entire family to play, walk, shop and indulge in food.
The outdoor-facing shops; the emphasis on pedestrian circulation; the distinctive rest and lounge areas complete with fireplaces, wifi/charging stations, sounds of water, comfy chairs, and playgrounds, all add up to a unique and successful experience for the region.
The landscape design vision references the geographies and geologies of the area – the Ottawa River valley, the wetlands, the Gatineau hills – in the angular planters, the waterfalls feature, and the use of regional trees and shrubs. A more ecological part of the project entailed the restoration and planting of the adjacent Feedmill Creek, along with new trails to local recreational facilities. In a reference to commerce, certain pavers are arranged to evoke a bar code with engraved Tanger and RioCan contact numbers.
Following the success of this project, IBI was retained to work on a second phase which opened in summer 2017.
