In May 2009, AECOM began conducting a Transportation Planning Study (TPS) on behalf of the City of Calgary to investigate alternatives for incorporating enhanced and dedicated transit along the 17 Avenue SE corridor in Calgary keeping in alignment with Council’s “Sustainability Principles” and the Calgary Transportation Plan (CTP).
The purpose of the Transportation Planning Study was to determine the feasibility of a multi-modal corridor that is consistent with the community and the City’s vision and complements the proposed land use concept plan for this corridor. In keeping with the City’s Triple Bottom Line target the main objectives of the study were to: build upon the existing attributes of the area, improve deficiencies in the existing road and sidewalk network, enhance transit services in the area, promote active modes of transportation, and design for the safe and efficient movement of vehicles.
The study involved reviewing several cross sections against the project goals. The recommended 17 Avenue SE cross-section features four vehicular lanes, continuous bike lanes, separated sidewalks, continuous green boulevards and dedicated median transit lanes. The Right-of-Way includes adequate width for the potential future upgrade of the BRT system to a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system when warranted. As part of the study, issues such as safety, parking, access management, environmental and utility impacts and stormwater management were identified and addressed in the preferred concept. In addition, intersections were consolidated to improve traffic flow by reducing conflict points for vehicles and vulnerable road users. The dedicated transit lanes were recommended to be carried through to the Downtown core, and a preferred route selected through Inglewood. The result of the study is expected to decrease the level of reliance on private vehicles, enhanced safety and health of road users, environmental preservation, and a shift to more sustainable modes of transportation.
AECOM, in collaboration with the City, worked on disseminating information to and responding concerns raised by the general public as well as stakeholders. The public consultation included a number of open houses, website updates, and newsletter mail outs. The project was closely coordinated and integrated with the Land Use Planning and Policy Group and approved by council in July 2010.
As program managers and consultants for the Calgary International Airport International Facilities program in Calgary, Alberta, AECOM professionals are responsible for the overall management and delivery of the largest terminal expansion to date, with preliminary estimates of more than CA$1 billion (US$ 999 million) in expenditures for its projected 17-year duration. AECOM will lead the planning, project definition and delivery of the approximately 1 million square foot (92,900 square metre) expansion with the addition of 32 jet loading bridges.
In addition to reporting to the Calgary Airport Authority, AECOM will provide project, design and preconstruction management services, accounting, cost estimating, scheduling and administrative services for the entire program, which includes efficiency upgrades to Pier B/C, coordination with other related terminal development projects and programming and design of a new Pier E-International/Transborder facility.
The initial stages have commenced with production of the project definition document (PDD) including design development of the new E pier. The project will be phased to ensure the facility continues to function under existing airport operations.
The Calgary Courts Centre project was designed to facilitate access, simplify wayfinding for the public in a large complex, and consolidate five separate existing court facilities throughout the city. The project is a successful example of fast-tracked design-build delivery and a collaborative process. The LEED-certified courthouse is intended to improve public access to the courts, and lead by example through its environmentally conscious design.
Located on a two-block site in downtown Calgary in the province of Alberta, Canada, the Calgary Courts Centre consists of a pair of 22 and 24-story towers linked by a 26-story atrium. The project includes an underground parking garage, and incorporates a generous new urban park. The glass enclosed atrium infuses the entire building with natural light and allows for extensive views of the Rocky Mountains and downtown Calgary.
The centre’s design creates a distinct symbol for the Provincial Court, the Court of Queens Bench, and the future Court of Appeal, while housing:
- 73 courtrooms;
- 95 judicial chambers;
- Court clerk and registry offices;
- Law library;
- Two floors of alternative dispute resolution facilities;
- Cafeteria;
- Counsel facilities; and
- Extensive prisoner processing and holding areas.
AECOM provided comprehensive planning and design of the courtrooms, closely coordinating with the design of the centre’s interior. The principal architect was Kasian Architecture with Norr Limited/Carlos Ott as design architects.
Awards
- Awards Citation, AIA Academy of Architecture for Justice, Justice Facilities Review, 2009
- Award of Excellence, Canadian Design-Build Institute, 2009
- Merit Award in Green Building, AIA, Miami Chapter, 2008
- Silver Recipient, Premiers Award of Excellence, 2005