Blurring the Borders
The programme for this project called for a 100 000 square metre building that would unite the diverse functions of exhibition gallery, conference centre, hotel and parking. The site, located at 6th Avenue and 1st Streets SE in downtown Calgary, was chosen because it presented a number of interesting urban conditions. Pedestrian activity in this area of the downtown is mainly concentrated on the south side of the block, whereas the north and east edges of the block are bounded by two major vehicular routes. These very different scales of movement are currently very segregated. In addition, this location is adjacent to the city’s new convention centre and hotel complex and one block from Calgary’s Glenbow Museum. The proximity of these existing buildings provided the opportunity to create a physical as well as a programmatic connection to this new structure.
An interweaving of programmatic elements and modes of movement within a single architectural composition was the primary intention. Because the automobile has so significantly shaped Calgary’s urban fabric, it was essential to give it a level of significance not encountered in any other building in the city. Vehicular access was given a formal entrance on the building’s north side and vehicular circulation was displayed to all other programmatic elements.
The ideas of hotel and parkade were combined, creating a high rise motel, complete with parking in front of each room. The idea of gallery was extended beyond the commonplace: pedestrian circulation became informal gallery space. Formal gallery space was also provided and was interwoven with conference space in key locations. Finally the building’s central space allowed for vertical circulation that would be shared by gallery patrons, conference participants, motel guests as well as the general public.
This project is conceptually open in several significant ways. First, the program itself bends to work with this site and with this city. It had to be conceptually flexible in order to deal sensitively with climate issues, cultural issues and urban design issues unique to this city. The building is very efficient in how it utilizes the site and in the connections it makes to the city beyond. Plugging into the city’s plus 15 walkway system, it provides a link which is key to the concept of efficiency in Calgary. The quality of light and the construction of views help to negate the sheer size of this structure. Although this building takes up an entire city block, it can appear from the interior to be quite weightless. At night, parts of the building begin to glow from within, also giving it a degree of weightlessness in the urban context. Elements of adaptability were included in various aspects of the design. For example, windows have shading devices that are controlled by the user. The building’s façade changes depending on which of these devices are open or closed. When closed, the façade appears continuous. Last, and most important, this design challenges its inhabitants to conceive of space differently than they are accustomed to. Blurring the edges of programme elements causes a shift to occur in the user’s perception of space. With this shift in perception, the user can really begin to appreciate the flexibility of the space and the possibilities it embodies.
