DIALOG continues to be recognized for design excellence as the firm recently took home honours at the Prairie Design Awards held on April 27th at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The multidisciplinary design firm, and associated architects Perkins + Will, were recognized with an Award of Merit (Recent Work) for the Energy Environment Experiential Learning (EEEL) building located at the University of Calgary.
Celebrated biennially, the tri-provincial awards honour excellence in architecture, interior design and landscape architecture. Organized and hosted by the Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba Associations of Architects, the program is open to registered Architects, Interior designers and Landscape Architects across the three prairie provinces. The jury gave high praise for the project, commenting that they “love the interior and sectional space” and stating that “this project has a clear environmental strategy resulting in a spectacular design.”
The EEEL building responds to the need for a modern, high-caliber undergraduate learning environment at the University of Calgary. EEEL, which opened in September 2011, is student-centric and provides opportunities for hands-on and experiential learning in both individual and collaborative settings. The 26,200-square-metre, five-storey facility provides instructional space for expanded programs in energy and the environment, including administrative space for ISEEE (Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy). In addition, new undergraduate laboratories are provided for three Science Departments (Geoscience, Biology and Chemistry) and two Engineering departments (Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering; and Chemistry and Petroleum Engineering).
Jim Goodwin, DIALOG Project Principal, says that “EEEL serves as a unique learning platform that seeks to engage and educate its visitors through its ‘Science on Display’ philosophy. A majority of laboratory, teaching and office spaces contain floor to ceiling glazing to promote this mandate. Engineering services are left exposed so that students can learn about the many components that make up a new building.”
Designed to LEED Platinum specifications, a fundamental goal for the project was the provision of a highly sustainable building which brings pride to the student-body, faculty and the community at large. Throughout the design process, particular attention was paid to three key sustainable priorities water use reduction, life cycle analysis/building durability and energy use reduction.
DIALOG is committed to delivering outstanding solutions that leave a lasting, positive impact on the community. We accomplish our goals by enabling our multidisciplinary teams to collaborate with our clients and communities and by unleashing the power of an interactive design process that includes architecture, engineering, interior design and urban planning. As a result, our people are unabashedly client-focused and passionate about their work. Together, our culture embodies energy, creativity, integrity, innovation, teamwork, and of course, a sense of fun.
For more information about DIALOG or our leading-edge projects please contact: Monica Silenzi, Acting Regional Director Communications, DIALOG, T: (403) 541-5493, E: [email protected]