[CalgaryTiger]

Nothing awe inspiring or unique about it. It feels rather clunky and cluttered with way too much going on

It does lack a wow factor, but I think it could be timeless if boring. They won't win any awards for it but that's fine because what it does well is the clunky and cluttered exterior breaks up the building. Unless I'm looking at it from afar from a condo or building downtown I will only ever experience this building on foot. Which is where it shines...

The only impressive thing about the exterior is it has the most activated streetscape and pedestrian realm of any arena that I’ve seen.

This cannot be understated, a lot of these projects are meant to activate and stimulate an area, this one actually might follow through. At least in the immediate area. There are reasons to be there every day of the year, whether as a ticket-holder or not. The CMLC needs to follow through on Stampede trail. Then it is up to private developers to make this an actual cultural and entertainment district. Maybe those in the biz can say whether this will actually move the needle on something on the old Orchard plot or other lots? I'm sure this Grand Central thing couldn't hurt either.

 

[DiscoStu]

For fear of being called a Stampitecturist, one element I wish they would've considered at street level is some brick. It really would've warmed up the street presence, especially in the winter time.

My favourite part of the video is the brick building/section at around 6 seconds...but not sure if that's part of the development or not.

 

[darwink]

The big convention centre + the food hall being accessible, this will really help seed the foot traffic gonig both ways. A train to Banff and a train to the airport? All of a sudden you have a fly in convention destination attached to a UESCO site/National Park that you can hit the highlights of in 6 hours round trip in a pinch. If you've ever been at a rotating industry (within Alberta) conference where you go, Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Banff, you know that the Banff one is always the best attended. Now imagine someone that rotates between Boston, San Francisco, Phily and random international venue lets say. Calgary-Banff has the draw and the facilities.

It is hard to put together how much positive economies these will have on eachother overtime and seem rational. Like, how many international conferences per year does it need for WestJet to pull the trigger on 10 more Dreamliners and 20 more Maxs to build up a second super connecting bank? What is the tipping point inducing another wave of hotels? Etc, Etc, etc

 

[The Familia]

If one or two hotels can get built and they actually build the smaller buildings along Stampede Trail from the casino down to the BMO Centre, this area has a really good chance for success. The exterior of the building will matter less if the area around it is activated.

I agree with Disco Stu. More brick, glass, and even some wood features would have been more impressive. I don’t want an aluminum tuna can like in Edmonton. I prefer something way more simple, elegant, and classy. I think it will really come down to quality materials and craftsmanship that will determine how this place looks in the end.

 

[Spring2008]

Grand Central Station does suggest regional rail, would be amazing if this connects with the airport and Banff. I like that the arena has active retail along Stampeded Trail, now it's just time to get the rest of the trail built out and activated. Could all be a huge tourism/entertainment/conference draw and boost airport connections.

 

[Albertasaurus]

The exterior design is mediocre at best. Nothing awe inspiring or unique about it. It feels rather clunky and cluttered with way too much going on. Honestly, #### all these metaphors that architects come up with. “The top represents a cauldron sitting on top of a glacier”. Good lord, just design a timeless, classy arena with quality materials.

The only impressive thing about the exterior is it has the most activated streetscape and pedestrian realm of any arena that I’ve seen. I can’t think of another arena with as many retail outlets fronting onto the street. A team store, three restaurants, and a food hall. No other NHL arena comes close. Rogers Place in Edmonton is the worst. Not a single ground level opening along the actual arena, as everyone is forced into that overhead bridge which connects to the plaza on the other side of the street! Their arena is very imposing and monolithic. Very hostile and not pedestrian friendly.

I hear you about how architects come up with these goofy and pretentious analogies and BS metaphors. You make some good points although I still mostly like the arena. But respectfully, I think the activated streetscape is the thing that was most important for them to get right.

 

[gsunnyg]

From earlier in the week

 

[Meikkhaell]

Those pictures sure put into perspective how big this thing is. The Saddledome looks downright puny in the background.

 

[Tothewest]

Genuinely impressed by the design. Love the "sandstone", subtle wood accents both on the building and as part of the landscaping, the landscaping itself, street activation, the aluminum panelling, windows....it's a great mix. It's modern, without bring trendy. It is not easy to program 3 sides of an arena from a design perspective, but they did a very good job

 

[1875]

i wanted one thing from this bad boy, a permeable exterior and we got that!

it doesnt mean the district will be a success but at least it doesnt mean it wont be…

now bring on the hotels. hard to believe there were no shovels in the ground 6 months ago for at least one.

with the bmo already in place and the arena underway wheres the risk?