Edmonton City Centre Airport Redevelopment Plan

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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 Urban Design (Private)

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.