The Kahanoff Centre is a unique facility in the heart of downtown Calgary which provides space to nonprofit organizations at discounted rates. This project consists of an 11-storey expansion to the Centre, including seven new studios and a 200 seat performance theatre for its anchor tenant, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD).
The design gesture focuses on DJD’s initiative to “Bring Dance to the Street.” The studios are presented as separate, fully-glazed volumes moving independently from each other. The effect is dance activity showcased simultaneously on multiple levels and fully visible from the street.
- Location
- Calgary, AB
- Size
- 107,639 sq ft
- Client
- Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, Target Project Management, The Kahanoff Centre
- Completion
- 2016
- Sustainability Targeting LEED® Gold certification
- Collaborators
Mulvey & Banani International Inc.
RJC Engineers
Sereca Consulting
Wiebe Forest Engineering
Cana Construction
Scatliff + Miller + Murray- DIALOG Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Sustainability + Building Performance Consulting
The studios are presented as separate, fully-glazed volumes moving independently from each other, offering multiple and varied views into the studios, theatre and public function rooms.
The two-storey art installation ‘Take the Cake’ serves as a beacon for the facility while animating Calgary’s skyline.
The art wall is installed inside an outer glazing. The artists, Hadley + Maxwell, worked with the dancers to create the images using a sophisticated lighting effect creating an illusion of movement.
A fully glazed two-storey wall allows for visibility from the street directly to the performances and a skyline backdrop for the set design when desired.
The seven new studios are located in Calgary’s Beltline, in close proximity to the city’s vibrant theatre district.
The design turns the notion of theatre inside out by placing a fully glazed back wall to the performance space.
The ground floor is fully visible from the street and includes a large community lounge, reception and a large dance studio.
The Team
Katherine Hayward, DancerI think the space is so beautiful that it’s really exciting as dancers. It has this open feeling, which makes us open as artists to work with.