How can we ensure that access to living includes every Calgarian? How do we create a vibrant downtown, complete with unique building challenges, while taking care of the those who are in need of housing?
d.talks toured the office building conversion called Sierra Place that will provide 92 units of affordable housing downtown. Developed by HomeSpace, a nonprofit organization that provides safe, appropriate, and affordable housing for vulnerable Calgarians, and in partnership with the Inn from the Cold, this 10-storey development will be converted from office to residential in the summer of 2022.
The tour explores the history of the building and process of the conversion. From a massive HVAC system in the basement to the details behind converting office floors into two-and three-bedroom affordable residences, visit the present and the future of the design.
Tour led by:
Jonny Hehr, Managing Director of Design at Gibbs Gage Architects (Architect AAA). Joining GGA in 2011, Jonny has taken his education from Emily Carr Institute Art & Design and the University of Calgary MArch to achieve award-winning designs in furniture and architecture. Jonny is active in the community as a guest critic of the SAPL program and also works with local high schools to teach emerging students about the opportunity and impact design can have on our world. Jonny is passionate about fostering creativity and wonder in today's youth and highlighting the power of place-making in architecture.
Matt Vermunt, Director of Acquisition and Development at HomeSpace Society. Matt has been in his role since 2010 working to grow the HomeSpace portfolio of affordable and supportive housing units to serve some of Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens. In recent years Matt’s focus has been on delivering HomeSpace projects through the RESOLVE Campaign. Working with 11 local developers and philanthropists Matt has developed projects ranging from downtown mid-rise concrete towers, wood-frame multi family, and stacked townhome developments. For Matt, the bottom line of helping folks who are in need is a wonderful consequence of simply doing a job that he loves.
In conversation with d.talks volunteers:
Lili Wang is an Intern Architect with Kasian Architecture. She holds a BA (Hons) Architecture degree from the UK, Newcastle, and a MArch degree from the University of Calgary. Originally from Uruguay, she has Taiwanese roots. Lili is passionate about cultural differences and how design has the power to bring communities together, bridging the gap through place-making and thoughtful design.
Darshan Tailor and Mark Cooper have also contributed to the planning of this tour.