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Check out this exhibition happening now at the new City Building Design Lab in Calgary.

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Find more on the events, exhibitions and programs we've recently held.

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Borden Park Natural Swimming Pool - Architectural Record

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Borden Park Natural Swimming Pool - Architectural Record

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The first hint that there is something unusual about the new outdoor swimming pool at Borden Park in Edmonton, Alberta, is what isn't there-that insidious but telltale odor of chlorine. This is because the 64,000- square-foot recreational complex, which includes a sandy beach, changing rooms, and plenty of space to soak up the sun, is Canada's first "natural" public swimming facility. Instead of using chlorine or other chemicals for disinfection, it relies on the cleansing capabilities of sand, gravel, and carefully selected aquatic plants and organisms.

Additional Content:
Jump to credits & specifications

And the architecture provides its own subtle clues that something is different here. Natural materials are combined with a minimalist expression and inventive details to give the Borden Park Natural Swimming Pool a refined toughness not normally associated with a neighborhood swimming hole.

Designed by gh3 architecture, a Toronto firm whose practice encompasses both landscape and buildings at a range of scales and types, the $11 million project comprises two concrete pools that at first glance seem mostly conventional: a small, shallow one for toddlers, and a much larger, deeper one for older children and adults. Both are rectangular, with white bottoms and sides. But they are part of a planar landscape. Regardless of the depth, the water's surface is flush with the deck all along the pools' concrete perimeter, which in turn is level with the expanses of sand and other areas finished in wood plank.

This plinth-like zone is defined by gabion walls of local limestone that enclose a long, low-slung building along the site's eastern edge housing reception, staff areas, and a snack bar, along with the changing rooms. The porosity of the stone walls-mortarless and held together by metal cages-is a reference to the filtration process that purifies the water, says Pat Hanson, a gh3 partner. Although the construction method was famously used at Herzog & de Meuron's late- 1990s Dominus Winery, in California's Napa Valley, it is most commonly used for retaining walls and other civil engineering applications, rather than buildings. Here in Edmonton, the permeable gabion walls seem especially appropriate for a seasonal pavilion, one without a mechanical heating or cooling system, Hanson points out. Not only do they facilitate natural ventilation, but the thermal mass provided by their 3-foot depth helps moderate temperatures within the building and just outside it, on the pool deck.

Image courtesy gh3 architecture

To accentuate the walls' heft and materiality, the gh3 team has deployed a number of visual sleights of hand. Within the stacked limestone, the architects have concealed the true vertical support system of hollow-section steel columns, allowing the enclosure to read as weight-bearing. They extended the door and windows the full height of the stone-filled 12-foot-tall cages (nearly 3 feet above the interior's ceiling), framed them in steel plate, and pushed the glass far into the openings. The assembly is topped with a cap-like parapet, only 4 inches high, belying the roof's actual thickness. This set of decisions produces a quiet, crisp-edged structure punctuated with deep shadows. "The details highlight the elemental, rectangular form," says Hanson.

The idea for a chemical-free pool in Edmonton came from residents of the neighborhoods surrounding the 54-acre Borden Park, located 2.5 miles northeast of downtown and known for its meandering paths and mature shade trees. Aware of the natural-pool movement-which first gained traction in Austria in the 1980s and later spread to Germany and elsewhere in Europe-they wanted to replace the park's rundown, 1950s-era pool with an unchlorinated one.

gh3, which has completed several projects in Edmonton as part of the city's design-excellence program, turned to Polyplan, natural-pool specialists based in Germany, for help devising the treatment and filtration process. The system includes a set of regeneration basins at one end of the pool deck, visible to patrons but protected by glass, and an adjacent bed of crushed granite concealed behind the building's gabion walls. Overflow from the pools circulates through these filtering elements, which contain marsh-loving plants such as cattails, water lilies, and rushes-and, in the case of one of the basins, microscopic marine animals. The plants and organisms use the contaminants that humans introduce, like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and phosphates, as nutrients and remove them from the water.

The water is heated, but only to about 74 degrees, and then the sun is allowed to take over. But if the temperature of the water should rise above 84 degrees (something that has yet to happen at the pool, now in its second season of operation), the facility would temporarily close, since that is the temperature considered conducive to bacteria growth.

To avoid overloading the system, the number of bathers is limited to 980 per day, with a maximum of 400 at one time. Swimmers are also asked to follow rules that include a soaking shower-courtesy of tubelike chrome fixtures lined up along the exterior of the stone walls-before entering the water, and refrain from using certain sunscreens containing ingredients that can provide too many nutrients for the filters' aquatic life. "The pool is a balanced ecosystem, and people are part of it," says facility manager Cyndi Schlosser.

Schlosser and her staff follow a protocol specifically devised for the Borden Park pool to satisfy the provincial government health department's concerns. The regimen includes testing for potentially dangerous pathogens several times per week, both on-site and by an outside lab.

What is the pool like to swim in? On an overcast and chilly day earlier this season, the water was clear, refreshing, and cool. It had no briny taste, like ocean water or the sometimes fishy smell of lake water, making the experience feel a little like a dip in a pond, albeit one that has a rectilinear shape and no mud at the bottom. And, afterward, there are none of the usual side effects of chlorine-no raw eyes, itchy skin, or strawlike hair. Without these annoyances, it is possible to relax on the deck and look at the tops of the park's trees peeking out from behind gh3's robust but elegant gabion walls, creating a true amalgam of architecture and nature.

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Borden Park Natural Swimming Pool by gh3 architecture

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The first hint that there is something unusual about the new outdoor swimming pool at Borden Park in Edmonton, Alberta, is what isn't there-that insidious but telltale odor of chlorine. This is because the 64,000- square-foot recreational complex, which includes a sandy beach, changing rooms, and plenty of space to soak up the sun, is Canada's first "natural" public swimming facility.

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University of Alberta Architecture Tour (Aug. 23)

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University of Alberta Architecture Tour (Aug. 23)

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in situ: university of alberta edmonton tickets

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Join MADE and Ben Louie, the University Architect at the U of A, for a special tour of the university's main campus. Although many of us have spent time at the U of A, we aren't necessarily familiar with the architectural treasures on campus.

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Taking this one in January. "Learn the principles of Universal Design or "inclusive design." You will come to think of design in new ways by becoming aware of the impact universal design has had on the past, present, and future of residential housing design. We will focus on maximizing utility with the ultimate goal of looking at design projects that accommodate people's needs regardless of age, ability, or circumstance."

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EXRI3499

Learn the principles of Universal Design or "inclusive design." You will come to think of design in new ways by becoming aware of the impact universal design has had on the past, present, and future of residential housing design. We will focus on maximizing utility with the ultimate goal of looking at design projects that accommodate people's needs regardless of age, ability, or circumstance.

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EXRI3499 Learn the principles of Universal Design or "inclusive design." You will come to think of design in new ways by becoming aware of the impact universal design has had on the past, present, and future of residential housing design.

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I'm taking this course in September and they waived the prerequisite - just passing along in case anyone in Edmonton is interested. Looking forward to honing my skills and getting some feedback on my portfolio.

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EXRI4677

Develop basic skills in drawing, drafting, and presentation relevant to the field of interior decorating. This intensive course includes hands-on application of theory. Learn basic line-drawing and modeled-drawing techniques, basic drafting tools and techniques, three-dimensional subjects and translation of these into two-dimensional images, as well as presentation techniques for portfolios and client proposals. Restricted to Residential Interior Certificate students and Prerequisite EXRI 4676

Choose a Course Section to Register

FA1: Sep 9 - Dec 2, 2019 (Edmonton)

Open to registration until Sep 9, 2019. Registering at least one week before the deadline is recommended as this class may fill up or be cancelled due to low enrolment.

$695 - Add to Cart

Format & Location

In Person course delivery

Enterprise Square
Edmonton, Alberta

Class Schedule

Sep 9 - Dec 2
Mon 06:30 PM - 09:30 PM

Sep 28
Sat 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Class Notes

There is no class on Monday, October 14 or November 11, 2019.

Textbooks & Materials

Required:
INTERIOR DESIGN VISUAL PRESENTATION
by MITTON
ISBN: 9780470619025

WI1: Jan 16 - Mar 26, 2020 (Edmonton)

Open to registration until Jan 16, 2020. Registering at least one week before the deadline is recommended as this class may fill up or be cancelled due to low enrolment.

$695 - Add to Cart

Format & Location

In Person course delivery

Enterprise Square
Edmonton, Alberta

Class Schedule

Jan 16 - Mar 26
Thu 06:30 PM - 09:30 PM

Jan 25
Sat 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Textbooks & Materials

Required:
INTERIOR DESIGN VISUAL PRESENTATION
by MITTON
ISBN: 9780470619025

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EXRI4677 Develop basic skills in drawing, drafting, and presentation relevant to the field of interior decorating. This intensive course includes hands-on application of theory. Learn basic line-drawing and modeled-drawing techniques, basic drafting tools and techniques, three-dimensional subjects and translation of these into two-dimensional images, as well as presentation techniques for portfolios and client proposals.

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07/07/2019

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07/08/2019

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06/30/2019

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06/24/2019

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Check out the new Mackimmie Complex at UofC designed by Dialog for an example of a green building with double skin glass. (post by Wien Tsang - ADST200)

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The MacKimmie Complex and Professional Faculties Building Redevelopment Project is a multi-year, multi-phase project to address deferred maintenance, enhance pedagogical and administrative environments, accommodate growth, and strengthen the sense of place and community in the heart of the University of Calgary's main campus.

The completed project provides support for 500 new Full-Load Equivalent students (FLEs) through the constructing of a re-energized central hub of new classrooms, centralized undergraduate and graduate student services, new formal and informal student study space, and expanded academic space. The new block also serves as the home for the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking.

The project goal is to create spaces that are:

Welcoming and present a transparent central focal point for the main campus

Responsive to the need to create a new central hub to support the interdisciplinary, entrepreneurial activities of the campus community

Responsive to the need for additional classroom and integrated study space

Considerate of their location and access to academic and administrative support units

Designed to support opportunities to co-locate student facilities and departments

Supportive of community building through thoughtful and active common spaces

Designed to unify and revitalize the landscaping adjacent to the building

Reflective of our commitment to sustainable design (environmental, social and economic), including acting as a pilot for a Canadian Net Zero Carbon Building Standard

Initial funding to begin design and planning for the project was announced by the Alberta government in April, 2016. On March 23, 2017, the province announced an additional $262.8M over the next four years for the MacKimmie Complex and Professional Faculties Building Redevelopment.

Project Timeline
*click for larger image

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MacKimmie Complex and Professional Faculties Building Redevelopment Project

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The MacKimmie Complex and Professional Faculties Building Redevelopment Project is a multi-year, multi-phase project to address deferred maintenance, enhance pedagogical and administrative environments, accommodate growth, and strengthen the sense of place and community in the heart of the University of Calgary's main campus.

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06/23/2019

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06/17/2019

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Here are the floor plans for the new (very controversial) downtown library in Edmonton in case anyone has read about it and is interested.

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Here's a suggestion received from Wien Tsang (ADST200) for finding proper dimensions of rooms and furniture.

Hey, Henry, I just found a site call Dimension Guide.
"https://www.dimensions.guide"
it is very similar to the architecture Standard, but with web version that can save time from flipping the page.

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Dimensions.Guide | Database of Dimensioned Drawings

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A comprehensive reference database of dimensioned drawings documenting the standard measurements and sizes of the everyday objects and spaces that make up our world.

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06/16/2019

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Cul-de-Sac Exhibit at the Art Gallery of Alberta

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Cul-de-Sac Exhibit at the Art Gallery of Alberta

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Features Douglas Cardinal's work. On exhibition until August 18.

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This exhibition will explore underlying structures shaped by the relationship to the land that have influenced the design of our built environment.

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Hi, everyone! (Although I feel like I'm just talking to Henry. LOL!) I found another great learning opportunity in Edmonton! EPL is offering quarterly tours of their libraries.

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LEED Certified Buildings:

Buildings Pending LEED Certification:

Green Goals

EPL's at the forefront of the green scene. We aim to be as efficient as possible by conserving resources while building and operating our branches.

We partner with the City of Edmonton to reach Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification goals outlined in The Way We Green Environmental Strategic Plan. The plan's innovative programs and initiatives help us adopt new technologies and keep us at the front of the pack when it comes to operating sustainably and responsibly.

Sharing is a fundamental part of our identity, and if there's anything we all truly share, it's our environment.

Book a LEED Tour

Tours of our branches are done quarterly. If you have any questions or would like to book a tour, please call 780-496-1847, email FAOHelp@epl.ca or fill out the form below.

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EPL's at the forefront of the green scene. We aim to be as efficient as possible by conserving resources while building and operating our branches. We partner with the City of Edmonton to reach Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification goals outlined in The Way We Green Environmental Strategic Plan.

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Hi, everyone!  I went to a lecture by architect Kevin Flanagan tonight, who worked with Cambridge University and an engineering firm on a mass CLT project; one of which would be London’s first wooden skyscraper at 300 m.  The height standards are quite low right now (I believe around 50 m) and he has compelling arguments for timber to create carbon-neutral or -negative buildings as they absorb CO2, and at a larger scale, this is a viable solution to our issues with emissions.  Really interesting concepts so I encourage you take a look!

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Calgary | June 13, 2019
REDx talks, a branch of iiniistsi Treaty Arts Society, and d.talks are co-presenting an evening with the renowned Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal. With a combined program that celebrates Douglas Cardinal's Indigenous ancestry, Mr. Cardinal's keynote presentation will be followed by a REDx Intertribal by local aboriginal chef Shane Chartrant; and to close the evening, a discusion in the oral tradition.

6:30pm keynote talk by Douglas Cardinal (doors open at 6pm)

7:30pm Intertribal

8:15pm discussion in the oral tradition

9:15pm event ends

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redx talks and d.talks present: an evening with douglas cardinal

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redx talks and d.talks present: an evening with douglas cardinal tickets

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redx talks and d.talks present: an evening with douglas cardinal calgary

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redx talks and d.talks present: an evening with douglas cardinal calgary tickets

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REDx Talks and d.talks present: An evening with Douglas Cardinal

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REDx talks, a branch of iiniistsi Treaty Arts Society, and d.talks are co-presenting an evening with the renowned Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal. With a combined program that celebrates Douglas Cardinal's Indigenous ancestry, Mr. Cardinal's keynote presentation will be followed by a REDx Intertribal by local aboriginal chef Shane Chartrant; and to close the evening, a discusion in the oral tradition.

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Hi, everyone! For my Edmonton peers - if you haven't checked out MADE (Media Architecture Design Edmonton), they put on great tours at a reasonable price ($0-5, from what I've experienced)! I've signed up for the next two upcoming events - the natural swimming pool at Borden Park and Walterdale Bridge.

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made (media architecture design edmonton)

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made (media architecture design edmonton) tickets

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MADE (Media Architecture Design Edmonton)

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MADE is a forum for the discussion of media, architecture, and design in Edmonton. MADE supports the Edmonton creative community by hosting events and providing opportunities for local designers to explore new ideas and showcase their work. MADE is operated by a volunteer board and is a registered not-for-profit organization under the Alberta Societies Act.

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06/10/2019

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For some inspiration, check out what past students have produced in the design studios in our online gallery.

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RAIC Centre for Architecture, Athabasca University

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The slideshow and PDF's below shows all approved student projects, starting from the most recent. To view projects filtered by course level, click one of the links under: View designs by level. For projects not able to be shown in the slideshow, click on of the links under: ARCH 330, 350 or ARCH 420.
ARCH 330 ARCH 350 ARCH 400
ARCH 400 - Joanna Sotomska. Collection 3

ARCH 420 VIEW DESIGNS BY LEVEL

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RAIC Centre for Architecture Student Gallery:

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The slideshow and PDF's below shows all approved student projects, starting from the most recent. To view projects filtered by course level, click one of the links under: View designs by level. For projects not able to be shown in the slideshow, click on of the links under: ARCH 330, 350 or ARCH 420.

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06/09/2019

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06/03/2019

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Make sure you look at the reference Form, Space & Order by Francis K. Ching to understand spatial relationships.

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05/27/2019

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Shigeru Ban is one of the best post-disaster architects in the world. Check out his TEDtalk.

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Shigeru Ban: Emergency shelters made from paper

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Long before sustainability was a buzzword, architect Shigeru Ban was using ecologically sound building materials such as cardboard tubes. He uses them to build remarkable temporary structures for disaster-struck nations such as Haiti, Rwanda and Japan. Yet often, these buildings remain a beloved part of the landscape long after they have served their intended purpose.

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06/02/2019

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05/13/2019

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05/19/2019

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Hi, my name is Henry Tsang and I am your design studio coordinator this semester. I am an registered architect of the Ordre des architectes du Quebec, and currently based in Calgary as a full-time assistant professor for AU. I graduated from the school of architecture at McGill University and the University of Tokyo, and practiced as an architect at Nihon Sekkei Inc.

Looking forward to meeting all of you in class.

Henry

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RAIC Centre for Architecture, Athabasca University

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RAIC Centre for Architecture : Faculty of Science & Technology : Athabasca University

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Born and raised in Montreal, I am a licensed architect in Quebec and member of the RAIC. Certified as a LEED GA and WELL AP, I am interested in the design of sustainable and healthy buildings. Joining AU in 2017, I am currently an assistant professor teaching the technical stream courses and virtual design studios.

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1.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amvv4P4DzJU
2.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6CU5uHltIw
3.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb2s9vxrS_E
4.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ6Pdvf3TpQ

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Hi Everyone! Trying to be prepared for class and so decided to check out the padlet page for the studio this term.  It's a beautiful spring day here in Dartmouth and I'm starting to wonder if my selection of Sunday midday for the class was the wisest :)

This is an image from a midterm presentation for ADST300... it was 1130pm and Carson (my youngest of three boys, 7 years old) couldn't sleep bc he was so excited to see everyone's design work. For this term's final (ADST 350) he pooped on the floor behind me while I presented :/ Life is funny sometimes...

-Hannah