Author/Contributor: Alberta Ecotrust, SAIT, Glenbow, RJC Engineers, DIALOG, Entuitive, Smith + Andersen
Alberta Context:
The Deep Retrofit Discovery Sessions are a series of free public information sessions to help address deep energy retrofits of large, Part 3 buildings in Alberta. Located in the heart of downtown Calgary, the Glenbow is targeting a 2027 reopening in its retrofitted and revitalized home, the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture.
Summary:
Presenters from the Glenbow, Dialog, RJC, Smith + Andersen, and Entuitive shared about Glenbow’s retrofit journey. Opening in 1976, the museum operated for 45 years before temporarily closing its doors in August 2021. On track to re-open in 2027, Glenbow and its partners have been busy behind the scenes working to launch the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture.
This renovation will establish Glenbow as a vibrant urban destination that engages with the city around it: a home for creativity, innovation, and community. Throughout the renovation, Glenbow’s 250,000 objects in their collection have been carefully preserved onsite.
The project has considered future climate-related risks, integrated energy savings, and greenhouse gas reduction measures through a new building envelope and modernized mechanical systems. These upgrades target 38% reduction in annual energy use and 41% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The main theme of this project is teamwork. As one panellist summarized: “It’s been a challenge, an honour, and very rewarding to be part of this project”. Another stated, “I’d hazard a guess you could not get a more complex retrofit project… If we can do this building, anything is possible”.
Dive into the art of the possible by watching the recording or following the links below:
- 00:00 Introductory comments & overview of speakers
- 11:40 Intro from Glenbow’s CEO Melanie Kjorlien
- 24:30 Architectural vision by Kyle Auch at Dialog
- 39:20 Structural challenges by Nyell Tuchscherer at RJC Engineers
- 46:50 Project complexity and sustainability goals by Regan Moffat at Smith + Andersen
- 57:05 Building envelope by Marta Karlova at Entuitive
- 1:09:15 Question & Answer
