Parkade Of The Future
Calgary, Alberta

Category: Recent Work
Architect: 5468796 Architecture and Kasian Architecture, Interior Design and Planning
Owner/Client: Calgary Municipal Land Corporation and Calgary Parking Authority
Interior Designer: 5468796 Architecture
Landscape Architect: Scatliff Miller Murray
Structural Engineer: Entuitive Engineering
Mechanical Engineer: Smith + Andersen
Electrical Engineer: Smith + Andersen
Civil Engineer: Aplin; Martin Consultants
Accessibility Consultant: Level Playing Field
Screen Cladding: Heavy Industries
Contractor: EllisDon Construction and Building Services
Photographer: James Brittain Photography

Jury Comments

This project, a sophisticated and thoughtfully conceived parking garage, incorporates a forward-looking design strategy that envisages a future transformation into an office and/or a multi-unit residential building. Straddling a light rail tunnel and adjacent to new civic and cultural landmark buildings, the Parkade offers a striking counterpoint in the form of an elliptical helix with an inner court and an ascending perimeter floorplate. The building structure is clad with a distinctive undulating steel shroud that lifts vehicular and pedestrian access points, allowing users to access an inner courtyard and grade-level public realm. Similar to ‘adaptable’ warehouse and office buildings from the early 20th century, the building is conceived to change programmatically. However, unlike those buildings, the Parkade anticipates contextual, environmental and technological advancements in its design concept and details—which makes it a building for the 21st century.