[getbak]

The flowery prose we all love...

Symbolism, Meaning and Narrative

The Event Centre design can be perceived as a composition of three elements, in classical architectural terms, Base, Middle and Top. These elements not only come together to form an elegant design composition, but each has been derived from a specific meaning intended to establish the design narrative for the Event Centre.

THE BASE
The base derives its design cues from the natural topography of the site, materials and shapes of a rivers edge or bank. Features of the lower facade include massing of stone and precast that frames smaller openings consistent with the scale of the city Streetscape. The base becomes the strong foundation that supports the middle and upper design elements and contrasts its mass with a complimentary lightness as the building rises out of the site towards the sky.

THE MIDDLE
Just above this foundational base the structure gives way to a clear band of glass that showcases the activity within. Glazed openings allow light and energy inside to be revealed. The middle zone of the elevations allows those inside to take in the spectacular views of the surroundings and the cityscape of Calgary.

THE TOP
Above the middle is a shroud-shaped form resembling a ribbon. This ribbon envelops the performance space of the Event Centre, gently rising from the critical corner of the northwest plaza and wrapping the structure around the east, terminating and pointing toward the neighbouring BMO Centre and Stampede Park to the southwest. Both the curvilinear form of the ribbon and the color of the metal panels represents the flowing nature of the sky.