Calgary Court Centre

Bridges connect the towers across the light-filled atrium at every level

by Bill Chomik

Located in the heart of Calgary, the new court centre serves both federal and provincial jurisdictions with a total of 73 courtrooms - one configured specifically for aboriginal hearings - making it the largest court facility in Canada. The design for the 1 million SF complex was driven by concerns for transparency, public space, sustainability, circulation, and flexibility. (more…)

Wastewater testing facility

Low environmental impact and high indoor air quality drive design

The low profile building is clad with cedar siding, brick and stucco that help connect it to its residential neighbourhood

Completed in 2007, the new 26,340sf water and wastewater testing facility, part of the City of Hamilton’s central sewage treatment plant, sits in a mixed residential and industrial neighbourhood.
The location presented some unusual design challenges including: how to offset the heavy building systems loads and environmental impacts inherent in this building type; how to minimize the facility’s environmental impact on the adjacent residential community; and how to maximize indoor air quality. (more…)

Sustainable design principles based on materials, HVAC and landscape

The north elevation where the glazed three storey atrium reveals two animated stairs, and wood panel-faced classrooms behind which are located faculty offices.

The Brock University Plaza Building is a five storey, 7880 sq.m building located on the university campus in St. Catharines, Ontario, close to the Niagara escarpment. The building is the new home of the University book store and other retail, and provides office, classroom and laboratory spaces. (more…)