The University of Calgary is located in an older suburban neighborhood far from downtown and other amenities.
Integrating with Architecture to Invite People Outdoors
Central Commons ParkCalgary, Alberta—Canada
The University established the West Campus Development Trust to develop a mixed-use community directly adjacent to campus and to center the “U-District” around a central park of 2.6 acres.
![urban plan for central park at calgary university](https://civitasinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/civitas_university_district_central_park_02-1180x536.jpg)
SMM, with Civitas, led the design of the park with Gibbs Gage Architects designing two 80,000 mixed retail and office buildings to provide the core of district and embracing the park.
![rendering of central park at calgary university](https://civitasinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/civitas_university_district_central_park_03-780x355.jpg)
![people playing table tennis and skating at central park, university of calgary](https://civitasinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/civitas_university_district_central_park_09-780x708.jpg)
The park is designed for daily use year-round events and gatherings. The design is inspired by the tectonic shifts that are visible in the nearby Rocky Mountains and the natural character of Calgary’s high plains landscape.
![people ice skating at central park, university of calgary](https://civitasinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/civitas_university_district_central_park_10-580x527.jpg)
![people ice skating at central park, university of calgary](https://civitasinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/civitas_university_district_central_park_11-780x355.jpg)
![rendering of people enjoying central park at calgary university, walking and riding bikes](https://civitasinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/civitas_university_district_central_park_04-780x708.jpg)
A mosaic of habitats
Centered on a central lawn/skating rink, the park includes fire elements for winter, creative play, picnic sites, games, gardens and furnishing all designed to be authentic to the nature and culture of Calgary.
![rendering of people enjoying central park at calgary university, walking and riding bikes](https://civitasinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/civitas_university_district_central_park_05-580x527.jpg)
![rendering of people enjoying central park at calgary university, walking and riding bikes](https://civitasinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/civitas_university_district_central_park_06-1180x536.jpg)
![people enjoying a wam fire at central park, university of calgary](https://civitasinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/civitas_university_district_central_park_13-780x354.jpg)
![people ice skating at central park, university of calgary](https://civitasinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/civitas_university_district_central_park_12-780x354.jpg)
![bench and awning at central park at calgary university](https://civitasinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/civitas_university_district_central_park_07-580x527.jpg)
![bench and awning at central park at calgary university](https://civitasinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/civitas_university_district_central_park_08-580x527.jpg)