Rejuvenating the Western edge of Calgary’s central core, the Downtown Campus is the result of a collaborative effort between a private owner and the University of Calgary to undertake the adaptive re-use of an existing medical office building.
Bookending the western and eastern boundaries of Calgary’s Downtown and West Village, respectively, the site located at the corner of 8th & 8th is pulsating with pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Although anchored by mixed use development and a light rail system, the area has become a neglected and a congregation point for criminal activity. 8th & 8th revitalizes the urban edge and intersection, and has established an incubus for future re-development in the West Village by strengthening the visual dynamics between the internal occupation and external contexts.
The project entailed an extensive demolition of the building façade, interiors and building systems and culminated with the full renovation and re-interpretation of the now ±147,000ft² multi-use facility, incorporating satellites of numerous University faculties and programs as well as public amenities and ancillary retail spaces.
Massaging a new textural and vibrant skin to the existing framework amplified the current traffic movement whist paying homage to the regulating principals of the original building. The orientation of the two primary massing elements (West and East Blocks) about a central circulation spine (Atrium) enables the development of the facades as distinct and complementary in terms of overall composition. The interpretation of the skin became the primary catalyst for urban revitalization.
The façade of the West Block was developed with the original structural grid orientation as a primary organizing principal. The resulting square grid is articulated with rhythmic patterning in the glazing which extends through the Atrium and Pre-cast Elements, adding a subtle texture to the façade. The principle circulation for classrooms has been orientated at this edge to further connect the occupants to the greater context.
The East Block of the building responds to the strict organization of the West Block through undulating punched windows on a ‘veil’ of Black Zinc Panels. This composition is a dynamic expression of form which embodies a subtle sense of movement and establishes the blurring of the buildings edges and structural grid. The ‘veil’ is lifted at the corner of 8th Street and 8th Avenue to expose a two storey clear glazing element which enables the project to highlight it’s connection with the surrounding context. An integrated ribbon of light at the underside of the of the veil accents the edge while highlighting the public realm.
As a counter point to the sense of movement in the zinc veil, the connecting parkade anchors the project through the installation of a Stainless Steel Kinetic façade developed in collaboration with the internationally recognized artist Ned Kahn. The ±3800 ft² ‘screen’ is comprised of 4000 individual stainless steel panels that rock back and forth in response to the wind currents. This motion creates fluid movement on the façade creating a sea of ever changing light conditions that harmoniously connects the building with the urban fabric.
Material Used:
1. Black Zinc Panel - facade
2. Stainless Steel Kinetic – parkade facade
