Image courtesy CLMC
DIALOG and HOK have come together to create a world-class event centre for the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC).
With the new venue, CMLC seeks to elevate the spectator, athlete, and performer experience in Calgary and build on the Rivers District Master Plan.
To manage the complex construction delivery of the $550-million project, construction firms CANA Management and Mortenson Construction have been selected for their in-depth local knowledge and experience in construction of sport and entertainment venues across North America.
“The event centre will be a year-round entertainment facility that will serve as an extraordinary civic amenity for Calgarians and visitors to enjoy for generations to come,” said Kate Thompson, president of CMLC. “First and foremost, we were looking for a team to work alongside us for the next five years. We are confident in our selection of DIALOG + HOK and CANA + Mortenson based on their collective experience, capabilities, and understanding to deliver a venue that demonstrates Calgary’s pride and spirit.”
CMLC initiated the procurement process in January with a series of request for proposals (RFPs) to select the prime design consultant (PDC) team, the construction management (CM) team, and specialty consultants for structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering. The process involved an evaluation committee comprising CMLC, the City of Calgary, and Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) representatives to review and shortlist interested firms.
Speciality consultant teams required to support the structural, mechanical, and electrical requirements for the project include:
- Entuitive + Thornton Tomasetti as structural engineers;
- DIALOG + ME + Designcore as electrical engineers; and
- Remedy + ME as mechanical engineers.
Fundamental principles for the project describe not only the importance of a premiere sport and entertainment venue but a careful integration of how the facility fosters active community spaces surrounding the facility and integration into the vision for Calgary’s Culture and Entertainment District. The goal for the design of the event centre is to balance the needs and expectations of various sporting leagues, while providing the flexibility and adaptability to host a myriad of entertainment, cultural, and commercial events.
Fusing collaboration with expertise, the DIALOG + HOK team will provide diverse design thinking that will challenge assumptions, explore alternatives, and seek fresh opportunities.
With the PDC and CM teams now in place, the firms will work on the concept design of the facility, considering the fundamental principles of the project set forth by the City of Calgary, CMLC, and CSEC, aligning with the Rivers District Master Plan, Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP), and public engagement findings.
Construction of the event centre is set to commence in August 2021, with completion slated for May 2024.
