Location
  • Calgary, AB
Client
  • Calgary Science Centre and Creative Kids Museum Society
Completion
2011
Size
  • 13,499 sq m
  • 145,300 sq ft
Sustainability
  • LEED® Gold certified
Collaborators
  • Kasian
  • Morrison Hershfield
  • O2 Planning + Design
  • Stantec
  • Stebnicki Engineering
DIALOG Services
  • Architecture
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
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Designed to be an exemplary educational facility and teaching tool, TELUS Spark integrates four themed pavilions: Life Sciences, Space Earth and Environment, Technology and Design, and Energy and Innovation. It hosts approximately half a million visitors a year and doubles the capacity of the previous facility while reducing energy use. The high performance building envelope uses solar shading, natural light and has a solar ready roof. Featuring the reclamation of a previously contaminated site and high building standards, the facility is a living example of urban and environmental renewal through sustainable stewardship.

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Telus spark lobby
Naturally-lit, flexible space  All of TELUS Spark's key public components are linked by a large naturally lit ‘hub’ space, which is used off-hours for special functions.
Telus spark interior 01
Networked TELUS Spark connects Alberta communities to a Virtual Science Centre via the SuperNet, and supports Alberta’s education system through the Renaissance Learning Centre.
Telus spark exterior night
Designed for the planet The design concept integrates an overarching commitment to environmental sustainability. Regional building materials, compact massing, orientation, and solar shading are employed.
Telus spark exterior pond
Reclaiming a contaminated site Fully integrated with the landscape, the project sensitively and respectfully engages the site and exemplifies an effective response to both environmental and site forces.
Telus spark interior 02
Playful, youthful, exuberant Spark is designed to be a flexible exhibit platform where the boundaries of inside and outside are blurred and the building takes on exciting, colourful forms.
Telus spark tree sculpture
Environmental enlightenment TELUS Spark is LEED® Gold Certified, in keeping with the science centre’s core values. It aims to educate and inform its visitors on the importance of protecting the Earth.
Telus spark exterior night 02
From the outside in TELUS Spark takes on new, colourful forms as exhibits come and go, and as day turns to night.
Telus spark main entrance
A comfortable experience The building incorporates displacement ventilation and radiant panels to distribute fresh air and highly effective heating and cooling for visitor comfort.

Meet The Team

"What people thought a science centre should be, we're hoping to show you there's a whole lot more."
Jennifer Martin, CEO, TELUS Spark
site plan sketch black and white

Project sketches01

Site plan An early sketch shows the building in relation to the site from above.
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Evoke DIALOG | TELUS Spark, Calgary, AB

Telus spark main image

Awards

2011 Top Projects Winner, Alberta Construction Magazine

2013 Architecture Award of Excellence, Canadian Institute of Steel Construction

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