“Engineering on display.” That was the theme for the 119,500-sf renovation and 197,000 sf of new construction of the University of Calgary’s engineering school. Instead of hiding MEP and structural elements, the design team of Diamond Schmitt Architects and Gibbs Gage Architects exposed them to students’ view, thereby celebrating them as a learning mechanism.
The two-phase project, which kicked off in 2009 and is on target for LEED Gold certification, revamped an opaque, horseshoe-shaped labyrinth of seven buildings from the ’60s and ’70s into a unified, daylight-filled complex with a new central hub, upgraded labs and classrooms, improved circulation, and a new, welcoming front door.
Numerous building code, seismic, and accessibility improvements were made—lighting and sprinkler system upgrades, window replacements, etc. Five lecture theatres were refurbished; two 240-seat rooms were added to the complex.
Reconstruction Awards jurors were impressed with the three-story-high structural glass entry hall. Structural engineer RJC Engineering supported the entry hall with two 56-foot-high cross braces that extend through large openings in the main floor down to the basement. The cross braces—the only vertical supporting members in the entryway—double as a graphic feature. They also support a system of lattice trusses to carry the cantilevered structural glass.
The design team employed the latest computer-modeling techniques for the much-needed seismic upgrade, but further developed systems that addressed predicted structural concerns related to the limitations of the existing structures. This reduced the amount of new construction, saving costs and time.
The jurors praised the team for using its expertise and experience to turn a complex structural problem into a readily constructible, aesthetically pleasing solution.
Project Summary
Silver Award Winner
Building Team: Diamond Schmitt Architects (submitting firm, architect) Gibbs Gage Architects (joint venture architect) RJC Engineering (SE) SNC Lavalin (ME) Stebnicki & Partners (EE) EllisDon (CM).
Details: 316,500 sf. Total cost: CDN $174 million. Construction time: April 2009 to September 2016 (two phases). Delivery method: Construction manager.
See all of the 2017 Reconstruction Award winners here
Related Stories
Reconstruction Awards | Nov 12, 2018
Cincinnati Music Hall: Saving a cultural anchor
Cincinnati uses ‘skillful triage’ to bring its endangered Music Hall up to date.
Reconstruction Awards | Dec 1, 2017
Rescue mission: Historic movie palace is now the centerpiece of Baltimore’s burgeoning arts hub
In restoring the theater, the design team employed what it calls a “rescued ruin” preservation approach.
Reconstruction Awards | Dec 1, 2017
Gothic revival: The nation’s first residential college is meticulously restored
This project involved the renovation and restoration of the 57,000-sf hall, and the construction of a 4,200-sf addition.
Reconstruction Awards | Dec 1, 2017
Rockefeller remake: Iconic New York tower is modernized for its next life
To make way for new ground-floor retail and a more dramatic entrance and lobby, the team removed four columns at the ground floor.
Reconstruction Awards | Nov 30, 2017
BD+C's 2017 Reconstruction Award Winners
Provo City Center Temple, the Union Trust Building, and the General Motors Factory One are just a few of the projects recognized as 2017 Reconstruction Award winners.
Reconstruction Awards | Nov 29, 2017
College credit: Historic rehab saves 50% on energy costs
The project team conducted surveys of students, faculty, and staff to get their input.
Reconstruction Awards | Nov 29, 2017
Amazing grace: Renovation turns a church into elegant condos
The windows became The Sanctuary’s chief sales edge.
Reconstruction Awards | Nov 28, 2017
Broadway melody: Glass walls set just the right tone for a historic lobby in Lower Manhattan
The adaptation of the 45,000-sf neoclassical lobby at 195 Broadway created three retail spaces and a public walkway.
Reconstruction Awards | Nov 27, 2017
Higher education: The rebirth of a Washington, D.C., high school
The project team, led by architect Perkins Eastman, restored the original cupola.
Reconstruction Awards | Nov 27, 2017
Bank statement: A project team saves a historic bank, yielding 100% leaseup for the developer
The project team had to fix poor renovations made in the ’50s.
