SAIT Downtown: School for Advanced Digital Technology
A vision for the future of learning
Higher Education
Located in the heart of downtown Calgary at the Barclay Centre, SAIT Downtown represents a bold leap forward in applied education. This dynamic new academic space will be home to the School for Advanced Digital Technology (SADT) and reinforces SAIT’s commitment to digital innovation and workforce development. Designed to inspire, empower, and connect, this project is more than just a learning environment—it is a launchpad for the next generation of industry leaders.
Spanning 18,000 square feet across two floors, this transformative project reimagines a commercial office space as a vibrant academic hub where education and technology come together. The design thoughtfully integrates state-of-the-art learning environments with industry-driven training and collaboration, featuring cutting-edge e-learning classrooms, command centre, a versatile capstone presentation space for industry events, flexible administrative areas, and a variety of informal collaboration zones that encourage engagement, creativity, and knowledge-sharing. Prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, the project seamlessly incorporates universal design principles across all aspects of the space, including height-adjustable lecterns and classroom tables, ergonomic workstations for staff, and the integration of all-gender and universal washrooms.
More than just a new home for the School of Advanced Digital Technology, SAIT Downtown is a bold reimagining of urban learning spaces. It is a place where cutting-edge technology, collaborative education, and industry engagement intersect, shaping the next generation of leaders and redefining the future of applied education.
- Location
- Calgary, AB
- Size
- 18,000 sq ft
- Client
- Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
- Completion
- 2025
- DIALOG Services
- Collaborators
LMDG
Spyder SC
Riley Snelling Photography
Interior Design
Architecture
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Structural Engineering
The central lunchroom and lounge acts as a dynamic student hub, fostering collaboration and socialization between students, faculty, and staff, encouraging a vibrant academic community at the heart of the space.
Organic, flowing drywall surfaces are thoughtfully shaped to conceal and soften the imposing concrete columns throughout the space. This design choice enhances circulation, echoing the abstract flow of technology and data within the learning environment.
Circulation corridors are highlighted by a ceiling of large circular lights arranged in a structured grid, complemented by flowing walls with cove lighting. This dynamic design supports intuitive wayfinding while softening the space, guiding users toward Classrooms and earning paces.
The Command Centre offers a dramatic, tech-forward classroom experience, featuring a darker environment that showcases cutting-edge technology. Smart Glass allows for controlled visibility, ensuring privacy or transparency as needed.
Natural wood elements introduce warmth and familiarity throughout the space, notably in the Elevator Enclosure, Lockers, and custom Millwork seating. These elements create a harmonious balance between nature and the technological surroundings.
Informal student learning spaces are thoughtfully integrated throughout the project, encouraging collaboration and spontaneous learning opportunities for students.
A spacious huddle area is designed for informal learning and collaboration with instructors, featuring booths for group discussions. This area encourages interaction, teamwork, and the exchange of ideas among students and faculty.
Meeting Rooms with integrated technology provide students with dedicated spaces to meet, collaborate, and problem-solve. These rooms support group work, fostering connections and discussions between classes.
A flexible and adaptable Classroom is designed to meet diverse needs, featuring moveable partitions that can create smaller class settings or transform the space into a large Capstone Space for industry events, offering both versatility and functionality.
Administrative office spaces embrace flexibility with hotelling and modular workstations. Private offices are strategically placed to encourage collaboration, and phone booths are thoughtfully incorporated to support virtual meetings and focused work.
Located at a prominent corner in downtown Calgary, the new School of Advanced Digital Technology exemplifies the transformation of commercial office space into a vibrant academic hub.
The Team
