Location
  • Calgary, AB
Client
  • Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, Target Project Management, The Kahanoff Centre
Completion
2016
Size
  • 10,000 sq m
  • 107,639 sq ft
Sustainability
  • Targeting LEED® Gold certification
Collaborators
  • Cana Construction
  • Mulvey & Banani International Inc.
  • RJC Engineers
  • Scatliff + Miller + Murray
  • Sereca Consulting
  • Wiebe Forest Engineering
DIALOG Services
  • Architecture
  • Interior Design
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The Kahanoff Centre is a unique facility in the heart of downtown Calgary which provides space to nonprofit organizations at discounted rates. This project consists of an 11-storey expansion to the Centre, including seven new studios and a 200 seat performance theatre for its anchor tenant, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD).

The design gesture focuses on DJD’s initiative to “Bring Dance to the Street.” The studios are presented as separate, fully-glazed volumes moving independently from each other. The effect is dance activity showcased simultaneously on multiple levels and fully visible from the street.
01/07
kahanoff djd exterior front night
Dancing from the street The studios are presented as separate, fully-glazed volumes moving independently from each other, offering multiple and varied views into the studios, theatre and public function rooms.
kahanoff djd dancer facade
Art wall  The two-storey art installation 'Take the Cake' serves as a beacon for the facility while animating Calgary's skyline.
kahanoff djd facade detail
A wall within a wall The art wall is installed inside an outer glazing. The artists, Hadley + Maxwell, worked with the dancers to create the images using a sophisticated lighting effect creating an illusion of movement.
kahanoff djd solo dancer skyline v3
Inspired views A fully glazed two-storey wall allows for visibility from the street directly to the performances and a skyline backdrop for the set design when desired.
kahanoff djd dance studio day
Near the heart of the art The seven new studios are located in Calgary's Beltline, in close proximity to the city's vibrant theatre district.
kahanoff djd interior dance studio
Space for practice The design turns the notion of theatre inside out by placing a fully glazed back wall to the performance space.
kahanoff djd main lobby
A peak inside The ground floor is fully visible from the street and includes a large community lounge, reception and a large dance studio.

Meet The Team

I think the space is so beautiful that it’s really exciting as dancers. It has this open feeling, which makes us open as artists to work with.
Katherine Hayward, Dancer

Evoke DIALOG | Decidedly Jazz Danceworks

Snap. Tap. Groove. DJD has been exploring how jazz music shapes movement and feeling since its humble beginnings in 1984.

DIALOG was challenged to take the spirit of jazz and translate it into the design realm. The result is a design that explores and re-mixes the dialogue between the dancers and their urban environment. With the city as a backdrop, dance activity is shown simultaneously on multiple levels and is fully visible from the street.

kahanoff djd solo dancer skyline v2

Awards

2015 Mayor's Urban Design Awards - Urban Architecture, The City of Calgary

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