5 stunning buildings that represent Edmonton’s new architecture

by Athena Raypold

While Edmonton’s architectural landscape includes a myriad of styles from art deco and brutalist to collegiate gothic, flatiron and Edwardian, recent builds demonstrate a move towards interesting and unique structures that represent a more modern flair. While the city’s well known architecture includes the Muttart Conservatory, the St. Josaphat Cathedral, the Alberta Legislature, the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, and Rutherford House, here are five recent projects that highlight the city’s architectural evolution. [Image credit: iStock.com/wwing]

In 2010, the construction of the new Art Gallery of Alberta paved the way for Edmonton’s recent love affair with modern architecture. Inspired by the northern climate, architect Randall Stout designed this 85,000 square foot centre. Noted for its smooth, undulating lines that mimic both the North Saskatchewan River and the Northern Lights, gorgeous open concept windows and its extraordinary stainless steel curtain wall, the Art Gallery of Alberta has won numerous architectural awards for innovation in design. Built using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software by local construction manager Ledcor, the project also received the 2011 Project of Year award from the Edmonton Construction Association.

The most recent addition to Edmonton's downtown architectural tapestry is the Rogers Place arena, designed by HOK in association with Architecture Tkalcic Bengert and Dialog and constructed by PCL Construction Management. Featuring “dynamic flowing lines, evocative of snow drifts and the dynamism of hockey,” this landmark building is home to the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers, a hockey and entertainment arena that connects to the Ice District through a pedway that crosses 104 Avenue. Designed and constructed to achieve LEED® Silver certification, Rogers Place is considered “the finest arena anywhere in the world” and is a leader in sustainable design and construction and includes a community ice rink, a casino and a restaurant.

Situated prominently on the University of Alberta’s north campus, directly on 87 Avenue, the 17,000 square foot PAW Centre was designed by Group2 Architecture Interior Design and constructed by Clark Builders to achieve a Green Globes target of four globes (equivalent to a LEED® Silver rating). In addition to the unique design that makes it “a showpiece for the campus and the city of Edmonton,” the PAW centre’s focus on health and wellness extends to the environment: sustainable features include solar panels, LED lighting, natural and recycled materials for building finishes, and solar thermal heating for both the pool and domestic water. The facility’s cone-like structure accommodates a two-storey climbing wall and a 20-metre-tall corridor and atrium dubbed “the social street.”

Another joint venture between the City of Edmonton and a sports team, the Edmonton Eskimos, the Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre is an outstanding recreation and entertainment facility expansion to the existing Commonwealth Stadium. The building is hailed for its “cascading promenade and an innovative approach to materials and transparency.” It is also a leader in green construction, achieving LEED® Silver certification for its integration of sustainable features such as a solar wall and passive cooling systems. Admired for its response to the stadium’s scale and size and its dynamic design, the Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre’s aesthetic evokes feelings of speed, movement and athleticism.

Another stride in the City of Edmonton’s marked movement towards outstanding civil architecture is the award-winning HCMA Architecture and DUB Architects designed Jasper Place branch of the Edmonton Public Library. Designed sustainably (LEED® Silver) to maximize social space, this Stuart Olson Dominion Construction project is a community hub, designed to be open, inviting, and memorable. Widely applauded for its “distinctive undulating concrete roof” the Jasper Place Library’s innovative, artistic design makes it one of the city’s most notable architectural jewels, while also attracting new readers and community members.

Edmonton is rapidly becoming a leader in innovative, sustainable architecture and construction with so many beautiful buildings to enhance the city. Go experience them all!