Project Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Architect: Foster + Partners, Zeidler Partnership Architects, Gensler
Client: H+R Real Estate Investment Trust, Matthews Southwest Developments
Size: 2,000,000 sf/185,806 sm
Services redered: MEP/FP, IT, AV, Security
Photo Credit: Nigel Young/Foster + Partners
Captions: 01: Exterior, 02: Skyline, 03: Exterior, 04: Façade detail, 05: Façade detail, 06: Interior view of skygarden, 07: Interior view of lobby, 08: Interior view of lobby
Description: The Bow was named in reference to the nearby Bow River and in recognition of the tower’s curving facade. The project is 59 stories high and has a gross area of 2,000,000 sf, including 800,000 sf of parking. Cosentini proposed and designed an underfloor air distribution system using air tower units, underfloor fan-powered boxes, and floor-mounted swirl diffusers to address energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and a substantial reduction in total cost of ownership for the client. Other major features included the application of heat recovery systems, installation of high-efficiency electrical chillers with variable speed drives, free cooling using plate and frame heat exchangers, installation of high-efficiency boilers, integrated building management and control systems, and daylighting.
Cosentini’s design for the technology infrastructure fully integrates the telecommunications, audiovisual and security trades onto a single platform. At EnCana, teams of geologists and engineers are assembled for each project, creating a work environment that is changing constantly. This infrastructure emphasizes flexibility to accommodate this fluidity in staffing. In addition to the dozens of conference rooms, meeting rooms, boardrooms, auditorium, staff media lounges, and other areas where audio and visual media will be accessible and where videoconferencing will be enabled, EnCana’s researchers required complex 3D visualization studios. Vast amounts of data are collected by scientists in the field to create a 3D image of underground geological formations and pockets where gas or oil sands or oil may be located. The 3D stereoscopic display technology designed by Cosentini allows a close study of the underground geology by allowing the viewers to "fly" through the grid with the use of a joystick -- and look at its various fissures and variables from all angles, gaining the best possible understanding of the conditions.
Awards:
- 2011: Canadian Institute of Steel Contractors, Alberta Steel Design Award of Excellence
- 2011: Canadian Institute of Steel Construction, Ontario Awards, Award of Excellence
- 2011: Alberta Chapter American Concrete Institute, Award of Excellence
- 2012: Canadian Institute of Steel Construction, National Award
- 2013: CTBUH Best Tall Building Award, Americas Region