For the City of Calgary, 2020

This project is based on the City of Calgary’s 9 Block Program that was launched to quickly pilot initiatives that are aimed at improving the vibrancy and perception of safety in the nine blocks surrounding City Hall.

The canopy serves to provide a visual effect of undulations that change in appearance based on where you are standing or driving by. High and low points of undulations have lights inset that are motion-activated so in the evening, a pedestrian’s path will be lit. During the day, there is a one-way mirror in the lamp so you will see your reflection, giving the effect of eyes on the street and providing an overall feeling of safety.

The canopy slats respect the existing trees by flowing around them and integrating the trunks into the design. We utilized weather-resistant parallel strand lumber for the beams, and marine plywood for the slats. The project’s grand opening celebration with Calgary’s Mayor Nenshi took place in November 2020.

The project description and news release can be found at:
https://sapl.ucalgary.ca/research/topics/9-block

Completed in collaboration with Mauricio Soto Rubio, Shelby Christensen.

All images on this page are credited to Neil Zeller.