Bow Building | Calgary

The Bow Building is one of Calgary's most iconic and visually striking skyscrapers, known for its unique architectural design and its prominence in the city's skyline. It is not only a landmark in Calgary's business district but also an example of modern urban design and innovation.

Overview of the Bow Building

Location: The Bow Building is located at 500 Centre Street SE, in the downtown Calgary area. It is centrally situated near major office buildings, shopping areas, and transit stations, making it a highly visible and accessible structure.

Height: The Bow is 236 meters (774 feet) tall and has 58 floors, making it one of the tallest buildings in Calgary.

Completion: The building was completed in 2017, after several years of planning and construction.

Developer: The Bow was developed by Hines and Crescent Point Energy. It was primarily designed to serve as the headquarters for Encana Corporation, a major energy company based in Calgary.

Architectural Design

The Bow Building is renowned for its distinctive, modern design, which makes it stand out in the Calgary skyline.

1. Unique Curved Shape

Curved Glass Facade: The Bow’s most striking feature is its curved glass façade, which gives the building its sleek and futuristic appearance. The design was inspired by the shape of the bow and arrow, a nod to the building’s name and the natural landscapes of Alberta.

Flowing Aesthetic: The curvature of the building's exterior creates a dynamic, fluid form, making it different from the standard rectangular skyscrapers typically found in urban environments.

2. Sustainable Design

The Bow is designed to be an environmentally sustainable building, incorporating a variety of green technologies and energy-saving features.

LEED Certification: The Bow has been awarded LEED Gold certification for its commitment to sustainability. This certification reflects the building’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint, optimize energy efficiency, and promote sustainability in the construction and operation of the building.

Energy Efficiency: The building is equipped with advanced energy-saving systems, including high-efficiency heating, cooling, and lighting systems that reduce energy consumption.

3. Innovative Structural Elements

Unique Structural Core: The Bow features a central core that is designed to handle the building's unique shape and ensure stability. The design incorporates cutting-edge engineering techniques to allow for the building’s sweeping curvature while maintaining structural integrity.

Vertical Orientation: Inside the building, the floor plates are oriented in a way that maximizes natural light penetration and minimizes energy use.

Interior Features

The interior of the Bow Building is just as impressive as its exterior, offering world-class office spaces and amenities.

1. Office Spaces

Corporate Headquarters: The Bow serves as the headquarters for Encana Corporation, as well as several other companies. It provides modern office spaces designed for collaboration and efficiency. These offices are equipped with the latest technology and offer breathtaking views of downtown Calgary and the surrounding mountains.

Open-Concept Layout: The interior spaces are designed with an open-concept layout, promoting interaction and communication between employees. Large glass windows in every office allow for expansive views and natural light to fill the workspace.

2. Public Areas and Amenities

Public Plaza: At the base of the building, the Bow features a large public plaza that serves as a gathering space for workers, visitors, and the public. The plaza includes green spaces, seating areas, and a pathway for pedestrians, making it an inviting space in the heart of Calgary's downtown.

Retail Spaces: The building’s ground level contains retail spaces, including cafes, shops, and restaurants. These provide a convenient destination for workers and visitors, offering a vibrant street-level experience.

3. Atrium and Sky Gardens

Atrium: One of the standout features of the Bow is its multi-story atrium, a grand, open space that extends through several floors. This atrium serves as the building’s main entry point and provides a dramatic, airy atmosphere that contrasts with the typical, enclosed office spaces.

Sky Gardens: The Bow also includes sky gardens located at the upper levels of the building. These garden spaces offer a serene environment where occupants can take a break and enjoy views of the city and surrounding nature.

Cultural and Artistic Significance

In addition to its architectural and engineering feats, the Bow is also a site for art and culture in Calgary.

1. Art Installations

The Bow features a collection of public art installations that enhance the aesthetic appeal of the building and its surroundings. These works are displayed in the building’s atrium and public spaces, offering a connection to Calgary’s local culture and artistic community.

2. Urban Impact

The Bow Building has become a major symbol of Calgary’s transformation from a resource-based economy to a diversified, modern urban center. It stands as a testament to the city’s growing global presence and ambition, serving as both a hub for business and a key piece of Calgary’s evolving skyline.

Notable Facts

The Bow is one of the tallest buildings in Calgary, ranking just behind The Bow Tower (the second tallest in Calgary) and the Suncor Energy Centre (also known as the Petro-Canada Tower).

Curved Design: The curved shape of the Bow was a challenge for the design and engineering teams. It required careful planning and innovative technology to ensure the building could support the sweeping exterior and withstand Calgary’s unpredictable weather, including snow and wind.

World-Class Office Space: The Bow was designed to offer high-quality office space to major corporations, with ample room for expansion and integration of new technologies.

Conclusion

The Bow Building is a true architectural marvel in Calgary, combining cutting-edge design with sustainable features and high-end amenities. It serves as a major landmark in the city’s downtown and a symbol of Calgary’s growth and modernization. Whether you're admiring the building from the outside, exploring the public spaces, or working inside, the Bow is an example of how modern architecture and engineering can redefine a city’s skyline and enhance the urban environment.