Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/177525
Bow Valley Square Redevelopment by Stacey Carefoot PHOTO: REUBEN KRABBE ocated in the southwest section of Calgary's downtown core, the four of ice towers that make up Bow Valley Square – built in phases between 1972 and 1981 – range in size from 17 to 39 loors. At one time, Bow Valley Square 2 (39 loors, 469 feet high) was the tallest building in Western Canada. As the city's downtown continues to evolve, a recent renovation and redevelopment of Bow Valley Square's main public areas have brought this lagship property into modern times. Focusing on the ground loor, the Plus 15 walkway network level and the lobbies of towers 1, 2 and 3, a comprehensive team led by internationally acclaimed B+H Architects was brought together to give Bow Valley Square a new look and revitalized reputation. The property accommodates an incredible amount of foot traf ic and serves as a main commuter stop. With this in mind, B+H's Guy Painchaud looked toward the Bow River for inspiration. "As the river lows through the city, it changes shape, connects communities, acts as a focal point. This is what we wanted to achieve," says L Bow Valley Square Redevelopment p.86-87Coeur de Li le_Bow Valley.indd 87 Painchaud. As often happens, the project scope grew over the course of the planning and redevelopment. The inal result – 75,000 square feet of space – was updated, mechanical systems were upgraded and a new 32,000-square-foot green roof was incorporated. Large canopies and overhangs that previously marked entrances have been replaced with clean, crisp glazing. The two-storeywestentranceisnowenclosed with total vision structural glass walls, utilizing a double-glazing system with glass ins and spider ittings. "The transformation of the west entrance is dramatic," says Bill Mitchell, director with BKDI Architects in Calgary. The west entrance brought special mechanical considerations to the project. "For the west entrance with its full-height glazing, the optimizing of energy performance is achieved by the use of the building automation system to control the customized rooftop unit that provides the heating, ventilation and air conditioning to the space," says John Ng associate with Emans Smith Andersen Engineering Ltd. "Air supply distribution at the perimeter is provided by overhead linear diffusers and loor grilles, ensuring a pressurized west entrance and good indoor air quality." The building boasts numerous improvements to the interior. Lobbies 1, 2 and 3 have new granite loors, wood and granite walls, gypsum ceilings and new revolving doors. Natural light lows through the lobbies into what was a dense, heavy space. "The opportunity to signi icantly change up the building and increase the light levels entering Bow Valley Square was exciting," says Guy Painchaud. "Now what we have is a space that wants you to engage with it." The focal point of the west entrance is the cantilevered stair. "A cantilever stair possessed some interesting structural challenges," says project engineer Nick Berci with Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd. "As with all structures, strength is an issue but with a stair like this, serviceability becomes the most important design consideration." De lection and vibration were the governing design criteria for the stair feature. An open construction process was followed, which presented challenges to general contractor EllisDon Construction Services. "We had all major work done on night shift," says Alex Shrive with EllisDon. "Another major challenge was upgrading the ire alarm systems. You can't have an occupied building without a working life-safety system, so our replacement has to parallel with the existing and cut over in a weekend." A major accomplishment as far as EllisDon is concerned was incorporating an additional 20 to 25 per cent scope while maintaining the original delivery date. "The transformation of the space is quite impressive," says Shrive. "The old space had carpeted loors, dim lighting and an overall dated feel. The renovated space is clean, bright and open." Another notable accomplishment is the project's LEED Silver accreditation. A component leading to the accreditation is the 32,000-square-foot green roof space, featuring benches, walkways, planters and green growing mediums at 45-degree angles along each side. "Green roofs are often seen with a lat application but the angles here are interesting and similar to those at the Vancouver Convention Centre," says Rob Colwell, principal with Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd. ■ LOCATION 205 5 Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta OWNER/DEVELOPER Oxford Properties Group ARCHITECT B+H Architects ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT BKDI Architects GENERAL CONTRACTOR EllisDon Construction Services STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd. MECHANICAL CONSULTANT Emans Smith Andersen Engineering Ltd. ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT Mulvey & Banani International (Alberta) Inc. TOTAL AREA 75,000 square feet CONSTRUCTION COST Undisclosed FEBRUARY 2012 /87 1/23/12 10:55:39 AM