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Peace bridge by Santiago Calatrava. Photo by Denisse Leon[/caption]
Updated: 3 November 2018
Located at the confluence of the Canadian Rockies to the west, and the Canadian Prairies to the east, the municipality of Calgary is the third largest in Canada and home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede. With its roots proudly planted in rural Alberta, in recent years the city has undertaken several initiatives in an effort to transform itself into a global city, which can be seen in some of its most recent architecture.
Check out Calgary's #mustseearchitecture below.
Peace bridge by Santiago Calatrava. Photo by Denisse Leon[/caption]
Updated: 3 November 2018
Located at the confluence of the Canadian Rockies to the west, and the Canadian Prairies to the east, the municipality of Calgary is the third largest in Canada and home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede. With its roots proudly planted in rural Alberta, in recent years the city has undertaken several initiatives in an effort to transform itself into a global city, which can be seen in some of its most recent architecture.
Check out Calgary's #mustseearchitecture below.
Studio Bell
Inspired by the northern prairie landscape, Studio Bell was created to celebrate and discover the future of Canadian music. The building is clad in interwoven metallic surfaces and crafted with earthen tiles to create an instrument of light, space, and music. A large, curving bridge connects the two building over a major street. Practical Information Architect: Allied Works Architecture Built: 2016 Type: National Music Center Address: 850 4 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1R1 Open to the Public: Yes Hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00am - 5:00pm Website: www.studiobell.ca/
Calgary Central Library
Designed by Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta and Canadian firm DIALOG, the Calgary Central Library is an oval-shaped building that is elevated over a light rail trackway and a public plaza. A striking textured facade is filled with translucent and opaque fritted glass panels to create public and private studying areas on the inside. Practical Information Architect: Snøhetta, DIALOG Built: 2018 Type: Library Address: 800 3 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2E7 Open to the Public: Yes Hours: Daily, 9:00am - 5:00pm (12:00pm - 5:00pm on Sunday) Website: www.calgarylibrary.ca/View this post on Instagram
The Bow
Designed by international architecture firm Foster + Partners, The Bow is the tallest tower in Calgary. Its convex shape directs north prevailing winds away from the building, while the south facade curves inwards providing enhanced internal views of the Rocky Mountains for its users. Practical Information Architect: Foster + Partners Built: 2012 Type: Office Address: 500 Centre St SE Open to the Public: Yes
Glacier Skywalk
Located 280 meters (918 feet) over the Sunwapta Valley, the Glacier Skywalk is a glass-floored observation platform offering views of the Canadian Rockies. Practical Information Architect: Sturgess Architecture Built: 2014 Type: Lookout Address: Icefields Pkwy, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0 Open to the Public: Yes Hours: Daily, 10:00am - 4:00pm (closed during the winter) Cost: $32 Website: www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/glacier-skywalk/View this post on Instagram
Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge
This award-winning building combines athletic, recreation and fitness facilities under a distinctive singular roof. The low-lying, horizontal building blends into the natural contours of the landscape using an expansive glulam structure to span over the different internal spaces. Practical Information Architect: GEC Architecture Built: 2017 Type: Recreation Center Address: 11300 Rocky Ridge Rd NW, Calgary, AB T3G 5H3 Open to the Public: Yes Hours: Weekdays: 5:30am - 10:00pm Weekends: 7:00am - 5:00pm Website: www.ymcacalgary.org/program-descriptions/locations/shane-homes-ymca-at-rocky-ridge/View this post on Instagram
Peace Bridge
The Peace Bridge is a pedestrian bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava that crosses over the city's Bow River. Nicknamed the "finger trap bridge", it is used by over 6,000 people day and connects the city to the Bow River pathway and the community of Sunnyside. The building is a departure from Calatrava's previous designs due to its symmetrical design, use of color, and lack of high masts. Practical Information Architect: Santiago Calatrava Built: 2012 Type: Bridge Address: Bow River at 7th Street SW Open to the Public: Yes
Great Plains Recreation Facility
Featuring two multi-purpose rinks, the Great Plains Recreation Facility uses nature as a design feature throughout the site. Integrated with a sweeping stormwater path, the building is sunken into the earth and is clad with black, white, and zinc paneling. A warm colored, central lobby with glazing connects the building to the sky. Practical Information Architect: Marshall Tittemore Architects, MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects Built: 1967 Type: Recreation Center Address: 5749 76 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2C 4S9 Open to the Public: Yes Hours: Daily, 7:00am - 5:00pm Website: www.icesports.com/greatplains/View this post on Instagram
Calgary Municipal Building
The Calgary Municipal Building is the seat of the local government and replaced the old Calgary City Hall building in 1985. The design features a series of stepped form and was the result of a citizen's vote. Practical Information Architect: WZMH Architects Built: 1985 Type: Civic Address: 800 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2P 2M5 Open to the Public: Yes Hours: Monday to Friday: 6:00am - 6:00pm Website: www.calgarytower.com/
Calgary Tower
Originally called the Husky Tower, the Calgary Tower is a 190.8m free-standing tower that was built to celebrate Canada's 1967 centennial. It features a revolving restaurant and observation tower at the top. Practical Information Architect: WIlliam G. Milne, Albert Dale Built: 1967 Type: Observation Tower Address: 101 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1J9 Open to the Public: Yes Hours: Daily: 9:00am - 9:00pm Cost: $18.00 Website: www.calgarytower.com/
Poppy Plaza
Poppy Plaza is one of a series of public spaces along Memorial Drive designed to honor the sacrifices of Canadians during wartime. The design of the park connects disparate pedestrian and cyclist paths with the river while allowing for large public gatherings. The materials of the park include weathering steel and wood. Practical Information Architect: The Marc Boutin Architectural Collaborative Built: 2013 Type: Park Address: 1111 Memorial Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3E4 Open to the Public: Yes Hours: Open 24 hours Website: www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/NW-parks/Poppy-Plaza.aspxView this post on Instagram
Celebration Square Plaza
The park is designed as a relief space for workers, and people looking to enjoy the outdoors. The design features a long, winding bench that allows several people to sit on it and take in performances in the public square. Most remarkably, the design features a series of fins that light up as the city's CTrain passes by. Practical Information Architect: The Marc Boutin Architectural Collaborative Built: 2016 Type: Park Address: 7 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0J6 Open to the Public: Yes Hours: Daily, 5:00am - 11:00pm Website: www.evexperience.com/area-guideView this post on Instagram
SAIT Parkade
Designed by Canadian architect Bing Thom, the SAIT Parkade is a 3-storey parking garage with a giant soccer field on top. The structure is wrapped in a metal screen with thousands of punched holes that allow for natural light and ventilation while simultaneously creating a piece of art on the outside. Practical Information Architect: Bing Thom Architects Built: 2011 Type: Parkade, Soccer Field Address: 1301 16th Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Open to the Public: Yes We do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, locations, and opening hours whenever possible. It is recommended that you double-check any information that you may need to ensure your visit is a success. Want to see your picture featured or wish to have it removed? Send all inquiries to karl@avontuura.com [mappress mapid="82"]View this post on Instagram
