For the University of Calgary, the stewardship of its properties provides an opportunity to support its academic mission financially and qualitatively by delivering a sustainable source of revenue and enhancing the experience of learning, living, working, and visiting the campus. In 2011, the West Campus Development Trust (WCDT) retained DIALOG to lead a master planning process, crafting a vision and key principles through an extensive consultation and design process. The resulting Master Plan, Architectural Guidelines, Sustainability Strategy, and ultimately Land Use and Outline Plan approvals with the City, establish the formation of a transformative neighbourhood for NW Calgary – a diverse, vibrant, mixed-use, walkable, complete community.
This particular project will change the face of the city forever. It’s a remarkable opportunity – don’t screw it up.Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary
Essential ingredients 01
University District is located adjacent to existing communities, which meant that the concept of connections was integral to the design. The community was planned to maximize connections to existing infrastructure (University of Calgary, Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Child Development Centre, etc.) and adjacent communities.
Essential ingredients 02
Essential ingredients 03
Essential ingredients 04
Buildings in West Campus will range from two storeys for some street-fronting developments to 16 storeys for important landmark sites. Buildings with a greater height along the street frontage are generally located north of West Campus Way, where views from existing, surrounding neighbourhoods will not be impacted.
Essential ingredients 05
The neighbourhood was designed with bicycle lanes and connections to the City of Calgary pathways system. The community also supports bicycles by requiring outdoor bicycle racks and storage in buildings. Buildings will provide bicycle parking and vehicle parking spaces for carpooling / car-sharing.
Essential ingredients 06
The park and adjacent plaza are highly accessible, linked to the north and south neighborhoods, the hospital, and office precinct west, and the University east, by a series of pedestrian connections and trails.
