Courthouse design has traditionally been thought of as an exercise in expressing solemnity, stability, and fairness. Guidelines for esthetics, security, adjacency, circulation, barrier-free access, mechanical/electrical systems, and automation, means little design flexibility has historically been commonplace.

Pilots and passengers landing at Edmonton International Airport will be treated to an architectural achievement not normally granted to utilitarian buildings such as air traffic control towers. The new tower, already an iconic structure on the horizon, features a giant ribbon-like metal ‘wrap’ that twists and turns around the building.

One of the best ways to be environmentally conscious during construction is to re-employ components from other buildings reaching the end of their design life or being renovated for new uses. Repurposing building material can have the additional benefit of acquiring Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits for projects seeking certification.