groundcubed (Ground3 Inc.), HEREBY Architectural Inc., SIKOMH KOKOMII, Bunt & Associates Engineering Ltd., Martinson Golly Ltd., RJC Engineering听
The winner of the City of Calgary鈥檚 first public realm design competition, this proposal for the redevelopment of the south bank of the Bow River leverages a need for pathway connectivity to create a vibrant, inclusive public realm that responds to鈥攁nd amplifies鈥攊ts unique Bow River ecosystem context, while serving as a catalyst for broader civic transformation.听
The plan鈥檚 鈥渂ig moves鈥� include strategically reconfiguring adjacent streets and consolidating underused parcels to re-acquire the river鈥檚 edge, softening the riverbank, balancing natural and urban eco-systems, and creating a dynamic pathway that undulates with the new topography. The design enhances wetland and fish habitats through ecosystem regeneration, and provides opportunities for Calgarians, and the city鈥檚 visitors, to view, access, and touch the Bow River. It does this all while satisfying the growing need for multi-modal connections to and through the city鈥檚 Downtown West.听
The design approach and final proposal is shaped by traditional ways of knowing the land, shared by local Blackfoot Elders. From their stories, ideas of discovery, ceremony, gathering together from all over, art, exchange, and teaching emerged as significant to this place.听
These ideas are central to the definition of six character areas, each with a unique approach to promoting thriving cultural and natural ecosystems: West Village Riparian Trail, Grassland Bowl, Main Street, Land Art Island, The Exchange, and Trickle Creek + Constructed Wetland.听听
鈥済roundcubed鈥檚 design is very compelling, founded in the cultural and historical influences on the site and telling a story that recognizes everyone鈥檚 voice, both past and present,鈥� wrote the City of Calgary鈥檚 design competition jury. 鈥淭he concept is smart and thoughtful and meets all the key goals of the project.鈥澨�
CLIENT City of Calgary DESIGN TEAM MEMBERS鈥痝roundcubed: Greg Stewart, Emma Brodie, Michael Chamberlain, Jaimie Johnson, Benjamin Hettinga, Jonathan Sagi, Trent Workman, Andrea Kennedy, Justin Bhatia, Tessa Larsen.鈥疕贰搁贰叠驰: Matt Stewart,鈥痀ves Poitras,鈥疢ichael Zabinski. SIKOMH KOKOMII: Jared Tailfeathers. Bunt & Associates: Glen Pardoe. Martinson Golly: Ryan Martinson. RJC Engineering: Kieran Gaston AREA 74,000 m2 COMPLETION OF PLAN September 2023听
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Building upon the Indigenous culture of meeting at the water鈥檚 edge, this master plan embraces the interplay between land and water, and keeping this as a car-free, active experience. The flow of circulation, creating spaces and diversity of experiences is well portrayed through plans and renderings.听听
RiverWalk West showcases rich cultural diversity and a coherence with existing public spaces, and demonstrates how multi-use pathways can connect a city. Respectful and ambitious, the project shows excellent sensitivity to context and community history. The richness of the spaces and the opportunities for exchange of ideas, stories and culture by the people who share the river is well expressed, and is an aspirational goal.听听
National Urban Design Awards Jury 2024