University of Calgary – MacKimmie Complex

Location: Calgary, AB
Client: University of Calgary
Completion: 2019
Size: 35,425 sq m

381,311 sq ft
Sustainability: Targeting LEED® Platinum certification
Collaborators: Entuitive

SMP Engineering

Transsolar Energietechnik

Urban Systems
DIALOG Services: Architecture

Interior Design

Landscape Architecture

Mechanical Engineering

Designed to be a high-performance net-zero carbon building, the MacKimmie Complex comprises a fully renovated tower and block and a brand-new link that connects the two buildings by an atrium, surrounded by a redesigned outdoor gathering space. The multi-year, multi-phase project will enhance pedagogical and administrative environments, accommodate growth, and strengthen the sense of place and community in the heart of the University of Calgary’s main campus.

The building enhances modern-day learning in a way that goes beyond technology and programming. The building skin makes its energy-modelling systems tactile, or visible to the eye, as a way to make climate change conversations a permanent fixture in life on campus.

01/08

MacKimmie Tower main image — Clear and purposeful, the modernist design of the MacKimmie Complex establishes connections between built form and open space.

University of Calgary MacKimmie Complex close-up — Made primarily of glass and concrete, metal photovoltaic panel features and stainless steel cladding create a ‘breathing’ façade that uses natural light as a building material.

MacKimmie exterior night — The new link flows through the existing structure and leads purposefully to extended study spaces for quiet reflection and to newly accessible views of the surrounding campus.

MacKimmie Tower courtyard pedestrians — The new urban realm proposes a new relationship between landscape and architecture by embracing open spaces and enhancing campus community by maximizing movement throughout the site.

MacKimmie Tower exterior day — The integrated design approach for the building and systems is to minimize energy use by using passive climate techniques such as natural ventilation, thermal mass, heat recovery and solar exposure.

FacSW MacTower 4 — The building skin makes its energy-modelling systems tactile, or visible to the eye, as a way to make climate change conversations a permanent fixture in life on campus.

1H4A1211 — This building uses a dynamic double skin façade with automated windows and shades to optimize views, daylighting and minimize glare.

1H4A1140 — A mechanical ventilation system ventilates the spaces from a raised floor system when solar energy is not available or is insufficient and when occupants are present.

Meet The Team

Steve Veres

Associate, Architecture

See more team members

The new MacKimmie Complex will stand as a daily and practical inspiration for students to focus more on sustainability. It is already helping to diversify our building industry by bringing new technologies, materials, and techniques to Calgary.

Druh Farrell, City of Calgary Councillor

University of Calgary MacKimmie Sketch2 — Simple Sketch
An early concept of MacKimmie Complex's facade.

Design Process 01

An early concept of the MacKimmie Complex facade.

Design Process 02

Elements of the early model are placed upon a site plan of the MacKimmie Complex.

Design Process 03

This computational design model shows a section of the building's underlying structural and glazing elements.

Design Process 04

The complete tower model shows the main structural elements and the support system for the double-layered facade.

Design Process 05

This rendering shows how the building interacts with the adjacent Swann Mall, a key pedestrian and gathering space at the university.

Time Lapse MacKimmie Tower June 2018 – August 2019

Retrofitting the tower began in the fall of 2017 and the removal of the original concrete panels began the following spring. All of the steel, concrete and glass removed from the old structure has been recycled. Two additional floors have been added to the tower, which now reached 15 storeys high. The skeleton of the building remained largely intact, significantly reducing the amount of waste generated during construction. 