Take a look at this $120 million multi-purpose complex, built on 22-acres (8.9 hectares) of land, dedicated to health, recreational, educational and cultural needs in northeast Calgary. The facility will be a gathering place that reflects the needs of an ethnically diverse and rapidly growing community.
Building Details
The complex is organized around a ceremonial, octagonal shaped, indoor and outdoor courtyard. Known as The Commons, this space provides the ‘front door’ to the facility. Each of the operating partners have a main entrance off one of the four corners of this space.
The Commons acts as seating space for the food services area, an informal gathering space and expansion space for public-oriented activities hosted by the partner groups.
Building construction features celebrate the diverse community culture and enrich the architecture. These include:
- Metal wall cladding defines the long building core. It is comprised of custom octagonal shaped, zinc shingles that wrap all four sides of this simple form. The octagon represents significant cultural expression.
- Glass tower elements frame the perimeter of the Commons giving it a strong and clear identity, and serve as ‘beacons’ that emphasize the main entry to the facility from all directions.
- Rooftop solar heating and other environmental design elements demonstrate community caring about our environment.