Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/331457
Photos, clockwise from left: KM; mounds and slides; South Health Campus, Calgary, Alberta; Calgary Courts, Harley Hochkiss Gardens; Grande Prairie art gallery and library. This project also saw SMM on the cutting edge of visualization technology, where it prepared and rolled out a 3D model and video – the largest digital model in North America at the time. Miller notes this approach was invaluable in building project support with com- munities and stakeholders in that it allowed for clear communication and understanding of the project. Building upon the success of these Winnipeg- focused projects, SMM then expanded into Alberta and China in 1999, where it continued its focus on mean- ingful and relevant design work on both a domestic, as well as an international scale. Its international reputation grew when it was hired as the prime consultant to prepare an environmental master plan for Spring's Vitality – a contemporary 90-acre multi-family urban residential development located in Beijing, China. Miller explains that the project presented consid- erable challenges in the creation of a significant and responsible environment within a unique physical and cultural context. "From the outset, the project team envisioned a neighbourhood that addressed the rich tradition and history of the city, while recognizing the dynamic cultural shift occurring in China. The chal- lenge was to design a contemporary community that embodied and expressed the passion and excitement of a 'New China' without abandoning the fertile his- toric cultural context." Through the study of traditional Chinese design and planning, SMM's team arrived at two basic prin- ciples that would become the foundation for the formal organization of the site – the historic urban grid and the organic form of the traditional garden. Miller adds that two very distinct formal languages, rich in historic content, were woven together resulting in a tapestry based on tradition, yet when combined, created a dynamic neighbourhood character. "The feature areas become important elements in the way- finding system of the development, ranging in scale from intimate gardens for meditation and relaxation to large-scale public recreation and gathering areas. "The extensive use of natural materials, trees, shrub and flower plantings [that blossom and bloom throughout the season] combined with the strong architectural elements continue the dialogue between the informal and the formal, providing the residents with a unique place that acknowledges its rich heritage while embodying the hopes, dreams and aspirations of a new generation." The firm's influence has not only been limited to international projects, and projects based out east. Its Calgary office has been active in the definition of the city's public realm through a number of urban projects. Working with The City of Calgary Parks, internal and external stakeholders, as well as the community, SMM has been responsible for design development planning of three urban parks including Barb Scott Park, Sien Lok Park and the new East Victoria Park – that saw an existing parking lot transformed into an urban retreat in downtown Calgary. The firm was also an integral team member responsible the new South Health Campus, a paradigm health care proj- ect in South Calgary, and the Calgary Courts Phase II - Urban Park. The main objective of the Calgary Courts Phase II - Urban Park was to provide a much-needed urban oasis in the heart of the city. According to Miller, the park is a contemporary and diverse public space that celebrates the natural beauty of Alberta, while provid- ing a passive open space for the enjoyment of all. He explains that the client engaged SMM as it sought to create a park that embodied the characteristics of the Alberta landscape. "This concept was the starting point for design exploration. Through this exploration, the design team established the conceptual basis for the park, which was not to create a diorama, but rather utilize a strong linear geometric north-south and east-west order in response to the urban grid and existing pedestrian movement, while allowing the exclusively native plant material to provide the link to the Alberta landscape," he explains. The park was intentionally designed to have a human scale and texture that created a range of inti- mate and comfortable spaces with the majority of seating oriented towards the sun to encourage four- season use. Utility corridors did not allow the planting of street trees, however, the park responds to its urban edges with seating walls and a strong architectural edge with defined entry points. It also has a number of diverse feature elements, including the sculptural tectonic plates that allude to the ice flows of the Bow River and the formation of the Rocky Mountains, and the simple soothing granite waterwall that provides white noise and beauty. SMM is constantly transforming its practice to remain relevant and provide meaningful projects that inspire and contribute positively to the context in which it belongs. Miller concludes that the process by which projects are undertaken remains the key to ensuring his firm's longevity, and he believes that this begins by having passion and enthusiasm for each and every project undertaken. Moving forward, SMM's main objective is to continue to inspire through design, while also ensuring that the legacy it has worked so hard to create is passed onto the next generation of designers. n photo: robert lemermyer / www.lemermeyerphotography.com June 2014 /9 SMM p.08-11SMM coverstory.indd 9 14-06-06 2:09 PM