Edmonton City Centre Airport Redevelopment Plan
A conceptual master plan design that envisioned a sustainable and nurturing future for the Airport Lands while memorializing its history
Information
- Location Alberta, Canada
- Size 84 acres
- Completion 2011
- Services Architecture
- Project Type Resiliency and Master Planning
As part of a design competition for the redevelopment of the Edmonton City Centre Airport (ECCA), the BNIM-led team’s design aimed to make Edmonton a leader in 21st century city living and a model in North America. The conceptual master plan was driven by four design principles: 1) Making the Invisible Visible – The invisible topography of the airport’s flight paths are reinterpreted through the built form to become an iconic reminder of this site’s rich history; 2) Living in Nature in the City – Restored natural ecosystems and extensive open space are integrated with buildings and urban spaces, creating a beautiful new typology connecting citizens and natural habitat; 3) A One Planet Community – One Planet Living principles provide target metrics, design strategies, and innovative social program concepts to ensure a high performance and truly sustainable way of life; and 4) Catalyzing Transformation – The substantial scope and visibility will give it the power to redefine what is possible with sustainable urban living, both in Edmonton and throughout Canada.
Impact + Innovation
The development of the Edmonton City Centre Airport lands presented an opportunity not just for the creation of vibrant new neighborhoods, but also for the restoration and reclamation of rich ecosystems and habitat within the city. In a larger context, the site could become a core area in Edmonton’s ecological network, providing a critical link to the river and regional habitat via ecological stepping-stones and corridors in the city.
Process
As one of five firms selected to develop an ecological master plan for Edmonton City Centre Airport, BNIM worked in collaboration with Snohetta in synergistic partnership to conceptualize a plan that would transform the downtown airport land into a vibrant, green community that would provide a path towards future vitality for the city. The design concept focused on restoring and reconnecting Edmonton with its natural ecosystems and establishing new avenues in the sustainable scope of urban living.
People
Team
- James Pfeiffer
- Aaron Ross
- Rachel Stroer
- Murali Ramaswami
- Elise Hubbard
Client
City of Edmonton, Alberta
Collaborators
Snohetta
Media
Awards
AIA Kansas City
Merit Award
2012
AIA Central States Region
Merit Award, Planning/Urban Design
2011
