Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Several locations were assessed based on these criteria, resulting in four sites being
evaluated for comparison. One site was self evident in meeting the many criteria. The
selected site possesses the qualities of respect, inclusivity, connectivity, and harmony
with the natural environment.
2.0 Introduction
Our design firm was engaged by our client, the University of Calgary, to identify a location for a
proposed Aboriginal Center, within university lands. The client specified the size of the building
to be 2000sqm, and the footprint to be approximately 3000sqm. Our client advocated a respect
for Aboriginal and University values; a commitment to sustainability, notably, environment, eco-
nomics and social equity; and an intent to create an iconic landmark to be celebrated.
Consultation with stakeholders identified criterion that informed the site selection. The follow-
ing proposed site best meets the requirements of all. The specifics of the criteria, process and
site rationale are presented as follows.
3.0 Criteria:
Criteria for the site was informed by consultation with representatives of the Native Center, as
well as consideration of Aboriginal students, the University of Calgary, Treaty 7 Nations, and
the Public. These criteria were categorized into: cultural values; campus integration; Aboriginal
Center requirements, landmark.
Sustainability
capture solar gain and reduce adverse wind effects;
green roof that serves as public space and ability to grow herbs and culturally valued
vegetation;
mitigate environmental disturbance;
conscious of cost of site preparation;
make use of existing infrastructure and services (efficiency).
Accessibility
proximity to multi-modal access;
encourage casual student interactions;
serve as a place of study and use for all campus users.
3.4 Showcase
The Aboriginal Center will become an iconic landmark and meeting place for Treaty 7 peoples
and visitors. Accordingly, the site must have high visibility and a central location that compels
respect and social equity.
site to be located in high profile location;
central site to reconcile historical practices of pushing aboriginals to periphery;
location that encourages intercultural use and invites interaction with rest of campus;
a view that is not competing or framed by other buildings...distinct, photogenic, etc;
encourage familiarity for other students.
4.0 Comparison
Four sites were compared based on the mandate of respect, inclusivity, connectivity, and aware-
ness of the natural environment. Each site was evaluated according to their unique opportuni-
ties and challenges.
Campus Map
West Campus
East Campus
Central Campus
Soccer Pitch
Site Name Advantages Disadvantages
West Campus 1 exposure to the four elements placement at the periphery of the
(Near Childrens Hospital) connection to the mountains campus boundary
(grandfathers) poor accessibility for visitors
proximity to Childrens Hospital traveling via transit
high visibility to traffic on the perception of insult at being placed
highway at periphery of campus
great access by existing roads Inclusivity of student body is
proximity to future campus hampered by distance from main
expansion plans campus
open-space available for Aboriginal development would not reach this
ceremonial gathering site
concerns about proximity to
infrastructure and its attendant costs
poor slope integrity and slumping
East Campus located at the entrance to the towards the outside edge of main
(by the C-train) C-train station campus
large site noise pollution associated with
natural grading directed towards the commuter and foot traffic
access road limited opportunity for outdoor
high student traffic events
sun exposure
high visibility for both students and
public traffic
central to main campus activity and
movement
Central Campus the heart of the campus appropriation of well used green
exposure to both students and space
(by McEwan hall)
public foot traffic competitive visual hierarchy of
limited topographic constraints surrounding structures
adequate sun exposure pedestrian pathways would require
relocation
limited available land
Soccer Pitch exposure to the elements detached from core campus area
open-space available for Aboriginal poor accessibility by foot
ceremonial gathering limited natural landscaping
accessibility by road current allocated land use
at the crossroads of future campus
5.0 Site Selection
Respect, inclusivity, connectivity and awareness of the natural environment informed the devel-
opment of the recommended Aboriginal Center site, (the site). This location celebrates the
University of Calgarys mandate of people first while also showcasing its leading edge design
and sustainable building practices.
The site is located on east campus, nestled between the Child Care Facility, Administration
and Professional Faculties, and the Biological Sciences and Social Sciences Buildings. The main
entrance is located to the east, facing Campus Drive. The site would receive the rising sun as
students make their way to campus from the LRT.
Building In situ
North East
Looking North-West Looking Further North-West
Building in Perspective
Building in Elevation
5.4 Comparison: Site Sections
LR T
LEGEND
Highest Use Pedestrian Paths
Proposed Additional Pathways Proposed additional pathways
Medium Use Pedestrian Paths
Roads & Parking
Low Use Pedestrian Paths
Roads & Parking Highest Use Pedestrian Paths
Desire Lines for Pedestrian Paths
Medium Use Pedestrian Paths
Low Use Pedestrian Paths
The Aboriginal Center will function as a venue for symbolic meetings and act as a place of as-
sembly for dignitaries. As such, sufficient parking that allows for comfort in all weather condi-
tions should be provided. An underground parkade, accessed from the existing lot 25 would
increase the quantity and quality of parking stalls servicing the area. The building footprint
would require the removal of lot 25, and the loss of ~70 uncovered parking stalls. Situating
the site at the location of a low value existing parking lot reduces costs as well as disruption to
nearby infrastructure such as paths, utilities, and natural landscaping. The proposed parkade
would upgrade the parking from 70 to 140 stalls (assuming 30sq meters per stall and a 2 level
parkade), providing covered, heated parking, appropriate for the needs of the Aboriginal Cen-
ter. The parkade could serve the needs of the nearby Haskayne School of Business, Professional
Faculties and Campus Administration, potentially allowing for partial project recovery cost.
Existing Infrastructure:
The site would tie in to water-mains on the east perimeter, requiring only modest and tempo-
rary disturbance to the road. There are no water-mains, gas lines, power lines, or other infra-
structure underlying the proposed site. All infrastructure and utilities can be accessed within
30m, thus reducing cost and time of construction
Drainage along the East and North facades of the facility would be onto the adjacent roads.
Due to the limited catchment area on both of these facades, this is not anticipated to increase
storm run-off substantially. Along the South and West facade of the facility, drainage will
require an engineered catchment slope that directs water towards the storm drains, approx-
imately 50m away, which parallel the east edge of parking lot 28. Additionally, dry cisterns
could be installed along the east perimeter of the pedestrian paths to capture excess water in
rainfall events. Cisterns would mitigate damage to green-space and pathways due to excessive
moisture. A green roof comprised of sedums and moss would provide rainwater catchment for
over half of the site area (2000 sq meters of 3000). As a whole, the facility will not significantly
alter existing drainage patterns or cause excessive run-off.
Disturbance:
Construction would require the removal of the existing pavement and infrastructure of lot 25.
Additionally, a number of existing trees and bushes would require removal or relocation. The
associated impacts of this requirement are considered minimal. Loss of existing vegetation
would be addressed through extensive plantings and the green roof. The proposed location of
the building would not adversely impact sight-lines, paths, or traffic flow, nor would it impose
significant shadowing on adjacent facilities.
Environmental Consideration:
Local soil types anticipated are clay rich soils suitable for vegetation to a depth of 0.6-1.5m
depth, underlain by several meters of sandy clay. [NEEDS NOTATION] These are typical of the
area and pose no particular technical consideration for building construction.
Legend
Summer Solistice
Equinox
Winter Solistice
Wind:
Prevailing winds influencing the site originate from the northwest during the summer months
and the southwest in the winter. The surrounding buildings and existing vegetation will dra-
matically buffer wind in both directions leading to reduced associated heat loss. The following
diagrams illustrate the expected wind shadowing experienced on site.
Natural Surroundings:
The four elements fire, water, earth and air are integral to aboriginal tradition (Bastien
1999:114); the site offers all four. The buildings glazed area and entry lie along an East-West axis
with no view or light obstructions, building the connection with the element of fire. The planned
ornamental pond which will surround the Center creates a connection to the element of wa-
ter, while the green roof and proposed garden emphasizes connection to the land. The rooftop
garden would provide the Center with access to the plants and herbs used in ceremony, and
traditional cuisine. The site makes use of existing and newly planted foliage to provide a sense of
seclusion while maintaining a connection to the wider university campus. Staff and students will
be able to hear the leaves rustle in the wind, and the plantings will also alleviate any possible
sense of compression caused by the surrounding buildings.
Noise:
Noise could be a concern during peak traffic hours due to the proximity to a main artery road,
and the LRT. Plantings of soft landscaping features as well as trees along the boundary of the
facility and the road would reduce noise pollution.
5.6 Design solutions for site:
As previously noted, the site has a few challenges (loss of the parking lot, heat loss, loss of pub-
lic space, additional land for ceremonies) that must be considered. Some design solutions for
these challenges are:
1. undergound parking, to address loss of surface parking and accommodate increased
demand.
2. glazing of the Aboriginal Center should balance the demands of light, heat and views, in
consideration of the existing buildings surrounding the site. Given the cultural require-
ment for a connection with the land, and the other creatures who inhabit it, it might
also be wise to employ bird safe glass.
3. a green roof which is accessible to the public would ensure a minimal net loss of existing
public space.
4. shuttle access to the hillside grassland environment at West Campus would provide for
the needs of additional outdoor space for Aboriginal ceremonial and cultural purposes.
6.0 Conclusion:
The proposed site is uniquely qualified to meet the program and requirements of the planned
Aboriginal Center. When oriented with the entrance to the East, the building would fully inte-
grate with the land, existing pathways, and flow of student life. The site is well suited for sus-
tainable practices in that it allows for solar gain, is exposed to minimal winds, causes minimal
environmental disturbance and realizes efficiencies owing to proximity to existing infrastruc-
ture.
At present, the site is adjacent to a primary point of access to the campus, a connection point
for the Childcare Facility, and parking. Integrating the Aboriginal Center at this location would
improve upon each of these functions. Additionally, the proximity of the site to multi-modal
access would encourage community participation and intercultural dialogue. The iconic design
and distinct location of the center honors the Aboriginal needs for a connection to the land.
This will be a site that Aboriginals can proudly call their own.
The center will serve Aboriginal students as well as the greater student body and the public.
Aboriginals will have the opportunity to thrive in an environment that reflects their culture, art,
history and values. Students will have a distinct space in which to study and meet while absorb-
ing the history, art and culture unique to the Treaty 7 peoples. Ceremonies, gatherings, Pow-
wows, and instructional classes are all within the purview of the Centers daily operations.
In summary, the site fosters respect, inclusivity, connectivity, and integration into the natural
and social environment. The iconic design and location honors the needs of Aboriginals, the
University, students, and the public, parlaying into an enhanced student and cultural experi-
ence.
7.0 References: