A balcony at each stairway creates a ‘nest’ at circulation intersections, offering a zone (perch) for pause and informal learning in contrast to the building’s social and collaborative learning hubs. The building’s design emphasizes Allard Hall’s identity as a hub for converging ideas and social interaction by showcasing a vibrant spectrum of student, staff, and visitor activities.

Nests Diagram

Offering a perfect combination of cutting-edge academic and cultural functions, Allard Hall’s array of performance and educational spaces includes; studios, classrooms, educational and office spaces; a 450-seat proscenium theatre, a 200-seat recital hall, a 100-seat black-box theatre; galleries, and a range of high-tech computer labs, visual arts, digital and sound studios.

The building’s captivating exterior presents a modern, sleek curtain wall facade featuring wavy forms to subtly reference a stage curtain, an apt metaphor for the dynamics and function of the building. Latest energy modeling techniques optimized the composition of the facade and the energy efficiency of mechanical systems which is crucial for Edmonton’s cold winters and will aid its LEED Silver target.

Allard Hall is a complex place of interaction and collaboration that encourages exploration, creativity, and learning. With its galleries and multiple theatres, it also functions as a premier public performance and event venue in the heart of Edmonton’s downtown.

Section A

• Architects

  Revery Architecture

• Location

  11110 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada

• Category

  University

• Design Architect

  Revery Architecture

• Design Principals

  Bing Thom, Venelin Kokalov

• Architectural Team

  Jacqueline Wiles, Bibianka Fehr, Andrea Flynn, Sanaz Nooshafarin, Elaine Tong, Kyle Chan, Culum Osborne

• Area

  430000.0 ft2

• Project Year

  2017

• Photographs

  Ema Peter