MacKimmie Complex project wins design excellence award

The MacKimmie Complex continues to garner recognition on multiple fronts, solidifying its status as an innovative architectural endeavour. Designed for net-zero carbon performance, the complex at the University of Calgary consists of the fully renovated MacKimmie Tower linked to the new Hunter Student Commons building and includes a redesigned outdoor space.

Late November, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Canada Society announced its 2023 Design Award winners. The AIA Canada Awards celebrate the best in Canadian design by recognizing projects that demonstrate best practices, innovative thinking and design excellence. The MacKimmie Complex was awarded the 2023 Award of Excellence in Architecture for its inventive design.

In addition to the recent accolade from AIA Canada Society, the project has also caught the attention of the global architectural community. The MacKimmie Complex design secured a coveted spot on the shortlist for the 2023 World Architecture Festival (WAF) in the Completed Buildings – Higher Education and Research category. WAF recognizes the most impressive architectural projects worldwide. To be shortlisted among globally renowned architects underscores the project’s international appeal and its contribution to advancing architectural standards on a global scale.

“We are proud to be among the final 15 contenders out of hundreds of entries from around the globe,” says Mike Van Hee, vice-president (services). “The transformed complex breathes new life into the campus and features innovative learning and gathering spaces for our community.”

Over the last couple of years, the MacKimmie Complex project has received several other accolades, including two Awards of Excellence and the Tree for Life Award at the Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards, a Green Building Excellence Award by the Canada Green Building Council, and a Mayor’s Urban Design Award, Green City.

The university is proud of these achievements and congratulates all its partners and teams involved in the project for their outstanding work, recognizing the collective efforts it takes to create an architectural marvel that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.