Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/687429
J UNE 2016 | 91 PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDON WALLIS/COURTESY THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE Studio Bell both the current and future needs of the facility. The electrical systems such as the lighting control, security systems, audio visual systems and IT were "heavily networked," he says. "It is truly a smart building." The so-called "smart" aspect was enhanced by the integrated mechanical elements provided by Stantec Consulting. Parmar adds that the complex structure with multiple showcase stairs plus terracotta cladding made it very difficult to incorporate all the electrical systems and technology unobtrusively. As of May of 2016, Bell Canada was busy providing the facility's all-important ITC/AV components. Miguel Burgos, principal, buildings, for Stantec, says Studio Bell required close control of the temperature and humidity in exhibit spaces, which is critical to preserve artifacts: "We had to look at a combination of systems that would provide the required performance while fitting into the dramatic building shapes. We also had to make sure mechanical noise would not interfere with the acoustics inside the building." Another challenge Stantec took on was ensuring that all mechanical equipment in Studio Bell was located in the penthouse. "This mitigates damage caused by potential natural disasters – as the centre is located in a flood plain," Burgos explains. Duke gives CANA Construction special credit for "creating buildings that were all curves on multiple axes. Even more challenging was the interior. All the walls were canted and curved and had to be completely smooth in order for the tiles to affix correctly; therefore construction had to be precise. It was quite an achievement." From Brown's perspective, the main engineering problem "resulted from the interstitial spaces in the east block that broke up the floor plates, making it very difficult to resolve lateral load paths. To overcome this, each of the small interior bridges has been designed to act as a continuous beam to tie the floor plates together." As NMC prepares for the grand opening of Studio Bell on Canada Day, Mosker reflects on the long years it took to bring his vision to fruition. "As a youth in Montreal I was very lucky to grow up immersed in music, and if this is my contribution to the field then I can only give credit to a great NMC board, great donors, and great design and construction talent for making my vision possible." To which Chomik adds, "It took considerable courage on the part of the owners to remain true to this architectural vision. Studio Bell is a truly innovative addition to the Calgary skyline." A GRC Architects.indd 1 16-05-18 1:56 Tel: 403-275-1418 | Fax: 403-275-1433 | www.donalco.com Proud to be a Supplier and Installer of Fireproofing Materials on the Studio Bell - National Music Centre project. Donalco Western.indd 1 16-05-13 2:46 PM Lower Footprint, Lower cost ToronTo 519.740.6222 Calgary 403.235.9922 ConstruCtion serviCes GeostruCtural DesiGn GeostruCtural MonitorinG www.rwhengineering.ca Contractors.indd 1 16-05-11 3:14 PM