RC116 JanFeb 2025 - Magazine - Page 15
“When we first explored the idea of an expanded BMO Centre, we did so with
the vision of creating a world-class facility that would offer Calgarians,
southern Albertans and guests to our city a greater way to gather.”
PROJECT TEAM
TOM HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY
Populous—Design Consultant
S2 Architecture—Design Consultant
Stantec—Design Consultant, Mechanical & Electrical
(supported by ME Engineers)
PCL Construction—Construction Manager
RJC—Structural Engineer
M3 Development Management—Project Manager
MKA—Structural Engineer
Level Playing Field—Accessibility Consultant
O2 Planning & Design—Landscape Architect
Urban Systems—Civil Engineer
Other features include The Exchange—a central gathering place
with an 80-foot indoor 昀椀replace that is believed to be the largest in
Canada—and several Stampede design elements, including vintage
posters inlaid in concrete, a massive Neon Cowboy and a bookable gathering space called the Brand Room that has charred wood
panelling, cowboy boot-like leather covered doors and a private
11,000-square-foot outdoor patio.
“Every feature in the new building was thought out in detail with
several deep themes that both evoke and are engrained in Western culture and human civilization,” said Paulitsch, who has lived in Calgary
since 2018—昀椀rst as Populous’ point man on the BMO Centre project,
now as a scout for similar project opportunities in the Canadian market.
RENEWCANADA.NET
“For example, the 80-foot 昀椀replace evokes the genesis of pioneer life
and represents the transfer of knowledge from people sitting around
them, talking,” he said. “I love to see people sitting around doing the
same thing in the new centre.”
Paulitsch said the same approach permeated every aspect of the
expansion design. “Cowboy hats, wagon wheels and horse statues are
not bad. But the Stampede was looking at the future—from a strictly
western and agricultural event to a move modern vibe that embrace
its past and future,” he said.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 – RENEW CANADA 15
