Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/218643
The firm was thrust into the limelight in 2004 when it was chosen to oversee the largest renovation of Madison Square Garden. A project the size, scale and reputation of this has the ability to make or break a firm, however, drawing on three decades of industry experience, BBB Architects ensured that this development was embraced and tackled with the same professionalism and dedication that clients have come to expect over the years. Home to the National Basketball Association's (NBA) New York Knicks and the National Hockey League's (NHL) New York Rangers, Madison Square Garden is the third busiest arena in the world. Its physical transformation began back in the fall of 2010, and in something of a unique touch, the arena remained open for events and performances throughout the NBA and NHL seasons. The project consisted of three phases, with the final phase slated for completion later this year. "This project encompasses every facet of the arena including the total customer experience," explains Brisbin. "Improving and expanding upon the concourses, suites, seating, sight lines as well as upgrading sponsor opportunities and back of house areas such as locker rooms, staging areas and employee facilities were the project's primary focus." When tackling unique developments, BBB Architects is able to draw on an enviable range of skills and ideas. It boasts a diverse client base including residential and commercial development companies, financial institutions, as well as colleges and universities across North America, Europe and Asia. Its international success has not come about by chance, but rather as a result of Brisbin's willingness to tackle challenging times head on. During the Above: Ryerson University's gymnasium, photo: Goran Petkovski. Below: Gelendzhik master plan – Gelendzhik, Russia. recession in 1989, development in North America came to a halt. Brisbin saw this as an opportune time to expand the company's portfolio on an international scale and he spent five years travelling Europe, Russia and Turkey in a bid to better understand the way in which these markets functioned. When looking back over the past 30 years, Brisbin notes that there have been numerous changes in the way that not only his business, but also the entire industry operates. "Interestingly, recessions have been the most definitive factors in shaping our business. During a recession architects are forced to reinvent themselves and are challenged to use their creativity in new and interesting ways. This economic pause, so to speak, allows us to review our processes and, if needed, improve on these." The firm's reputation of being able to complete projects on the international stage has not gone unnoticed. This was underlined in 2002 when the company was selected to design the centrepiece for the Mall of Russia – one of the key components of the worldrenowned Moscow City Centre development. The Mall of Russia project was a five-block horizontal island situated in a forest of commercial, residential and hotel towers. It created a central pedestrian, traffic and transit access and is complimented by the anticipated new Moscow Concert Hall and City Park. BBB's role included the creation of a two-million-square-foot mega retail centre, which included public concourses, a city park the size of a football field and a dome large enough to accommodate three Boeing 747s. Looking ahead, Brisbin says, "The exciting thing about this business is that it is constantly evolving. We realize there will never be a 'complete product' and we are always striving to evolve with the industry. Despite the fact we are always maturing and looking to build on our experience, we feel that the future offers us a new beginning and we will look to embrace the challenges that come with that." n Cover Story – BBB Architects p08-13BBBcover_Ads.indd 10 13-11-15 3:37 PM