Arts Commons is receiving a major makeover with a distinctly Indigenous flavour.
The arts hub, which houses five theatres and the Jack Singer Concert Hall, announced a design team Wednesday that will be tasked with re-imagining a bigger, better Arts Commons that can serve as a catalyst for the revival of the city’s core.
The design team includes Toronto architecture firm KPMB, Calgary’s Hindle Architects, Danish nature-based design group SMA, and the Tawaw Architecture Collective, headed by Calgarian Wanda Dalla Costa, who is Canada’s first female Indigenous architect.
Costa, who is also an Associate Professor at Arizona State University, and Tawaw “will ensure the Indigenous perspective is thoughtfully and meaningfully woven into all aspects of the design.” Costa studied at the University of Calgary and University of Alberta.
Arts Commons will be transformed over two phases. The first phase will be an expansion of Arts Commons, adding new performance venues and support areas with thoughtful connections to the current building.