Platform Innovation Centre & Parkade

Overview

Key Takeaways

• 1

  Designed for future flexibility

  Unique design features like higher ceilings and a central atrium facilitate future conversion into commercial and/or residential uses

  1

  Designed for future flexibility

  The innovative building design allows for conversion of the space into commercial and/or residential uses through considerations that make it unique among parking structures, like floor-to-ceiling heights 1.5 times that of traditional parkades. The parkade’s outer guard rails can be directly reused as future residential or commercial balcony rails, without further adaptation.

  

  Designed for future flexibilityThe innovative building design allows for conversion of the space into commercial and/or residential uses through considerations that make it unique among parking structures, like floor-to-ceiling heights 1.5 times that of traditional parkades. The parkade’s outer guard rails can be directly reused as future residential or commercial balcony rails, without further adaptation.
• 2

  Invaluable parking for many nearby attractions

  Straddling East Village and The C+E, the parkade has 503 stalls, six electric vehicle chargers (with capacity for more) and 99 bicycle spots

  2

  Invaluable parking for many nearby attractions

  The $80-million structure, which makes far better use of land that served previously as an underutilized surface parking lot, aligns with the future-focused goals of CMLC’s East Village Master Plan. It accommodates traditional vehicles, electric vehicles and bicycles, and it complements the excellent public transit service and walkability the area is already known for.

  Invaluable parking for many nearby attractionsThe $80-million structure, which makes far better use of land that served previously as an underutilized surface parking lot, aligns with the future-focused goals of CMLC’s East Village Master Plan. It accommodates traditional vehicles, electric vehicles and bicycles, and it complements the excellent public transit service and walkability the area is already known for.
• 3

  An iconic façade with built-in adaptability

  Made by local fabricator Heavy Industries, 3,500 aluminum pickets—easily removable for future conversion—give the structure its unique look

  3

  An iconic façade with built-in adaptability

  

  The Platform building is ringed by 3,500 aluminum pipes, hung vertically and splayed to create a shroud-like canopy. These pipes create a striking design aesthetic and a surprisingly dynamic streetscape for passing vehicles and pedestrians. Fabricated locally by Heavy Industries, they offer long-term maintenance efficiencies and can be readily recycled when uses of the building begin to change.

  

  

  

  An iconic façade with built-in adaptabilityThe Platform building is ringed by 3,500 aluminum pipes, hung vertically and splayed to create a shroud-like canopy. These pipes create a striking design aesthetic and a surprisingly dynamic streetscape for passing vehicles and pedestrians. Fabricated locally by Heavy Industries, they offer long-term maintenance efficiencies and can be readily recycled when uses of the building begin to change.
• 4

  Innovative from the ground up

  A unique steel truss system enabled construction without disturbing the active LRT tunnel that crosses under the site

  4

  Innovative from the ground up

  To create the necessary clearance for an LRT line underneath the site, the parkade required huge trusses and a straight ramp up through the first two storeys. This solution created space on the first two floors for an innovation centre that will create new, fast-growing tech startups, support a highly skilled and inclusive workforce, and transform industries.

  

  

  

  

  Innovative from the ground upTo create the necessary clearance for an LRT line underneath the site, the parkade required huge trusses and a straight ramp up through the first two storeys. This solution created space on the first two floors for an innovation centre that will create new, fast-growing tech startups, support a highly skilled and inclusive workforce, and transform industries.

Media & Recognition

World Architecture News Awards

World Architecture News Awards, Transport, Gold 2022

Macleans

The Building: A Calgary parkade redesigned with the future in mind Read More

Calgary Herald

Massive parkade opens in East Village, will serve as hub for Calgary's tech sector Read More

Calgary Economic Development

Calgary rises in ranks of world’s top 100 emerging startup ecosystems Read More