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Centennial Planetarium
By : Lemay
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 14th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Public Building / Cultural Building : Silver Certification
Categories : Special Award / Building Conversion & Recycling (Rebirth Project) : Silver Certification
This project to convert a former planetarium into a centre for contemporary art preserves and celebrates the heritage character of Calgary’s Centennial Planetarium while embracing a concept of meaningful contrast with a modern-day aesthetic.
The architectural icon dates from Canada’s centennial in 1967. The team developed a strategy for revealing aspects of the original building wherever possible, at times adding glass and accent lighting, treating the building itself as a work of art.
The multiple theatre and gallery spaces reveal and restore original features such as wooden wall panelling and perforated metal walls, complementing new programming. The design language for new materials is different, yet respectful of the surroundings.
Respecting the existing building’s architecture was challenging while ensuring functionality and compliance with new codes and accessibility standards, a key component of the multi-floor restoration. Roofing, exterior glazing and doors also saw upgrades, and a new exterior plaza graces a reoriented front entrance.
Showcasing the original award-winning architecture while bringing systems up to code, this project creates a world-class destination for modern and contemporary art.
Collaboration
