HSBC Place was redesigned from the inside out to be a prominent, distinctive AA class office tower in Downtown Edmonton. This building renewal is much more than meets the eye. It was stripped down to its structure to have new building systems integrated with a high performance envelope, and the podium and streetscape were transformed to better engage with the lively downtown corner. Sixteen storeys of commercial office space sit atop a refreshed and inviting 2-storey podium. It’s good for the neighbourhood and occupants as well–the building’s sustainability credits include targeting LEED® Gold v4, WELL Gold v2, and certified WIREDSCORE Platinum.
- Location
- Edmonton, AB
- Size
- 350,000 sq ft
- Client
- AIMCo, Epic Investments, Cushman & Wakefield
- Completion
- 2020
- DIALOG Services
- Collaborators
ISL Engineering
RJC Engineers
Smith + Andersen
Architecture
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Sustainability + Building Performance Consulting
At the intersection of the Finance District, Arts District, and ICE District, it’s an inspiring addition to the urban fabric. It contributes to a diverse, dynamic, and pedestrian-friendly core.
The reimagined podium is pulled in from the corner, offering additional public space through an open, vibrant plaza with landscaping along the northern edge and busy downtown corner.
The newly designed atrium is drastically different than it was before. Now, it is open, filled with light, and people can easily navigate through the building.
The transparency of the crisp, clean curtain wall increases visibility and safety. It also encourages a conversation between the interior and exterior, promoting engagement and public gathering.
Digital art boxes are suspended from the ceiling and along the columns to provide dynamic, interesting and ever-changing graphics. Images can change often to tie in with special events or the seasons.
Bright granite floors are complimented with frosted mirror walls for a classic, clean look throughout the spacious 2-storey podium.
Existing elevators have been refurbished and upgraded to a Destination Dispatch system. This will shorten the time users wait for an elevator and will move them efficiently through the floors.
A bookable Conference Centre consists of three adjoining rooms that have the flexibility to be opened up, creating a large space for bigger functions.
A Wellness Centre provides a space for tenants to enjoy workouts or time with a personal trainer. An impressive locker room and shower facilities are available to tenants who actively commute to work.
Along with the tower and podium, HSBC Place’s adjacent parking garage was renewed with a new skin and safer, easier wayfinding.
Along with the tower and podium, HSBC Place’s adjacent parking garage was renewed with a new skin and safer, easier wayfinding.
The Team
The existing building was stripped down to its structure, then new building systems were integrated including engineering systems and a high performance building envelope. This is a very eco-friendly solution for building renewals since carbon remains embodied within the concrete structure, but the rest of the building still gets a modern upgrade.
The previous podium design created unwelcoming corners, bad sight lines, and didn’t engage with the surrounding community. Edmonton’s downtown has been through significant revitalization and HSBC Place is right in the heart of it. The building needed an engaging podium to reflect the changing energy of the community.
The new podium and landscape architecture design activates the corner and makes it a more welcoming, safe space for pedestrians.
Targeting LEED® Gold v4 and WELL Gold v2, along with its WIREDSCORE Platinum Certification, means HSBC Place is setting a new benchmark for commercial office space in Edmonton. Health and wellness of the building occupants are optimized, along with sustainable building systems that are good for the environment too.
