Science Center Achieves LEED Gold With ALPOLIC ACM Panels

In October 2011, TELUS Spark held their grand opening of the new $160 million science center in inner-city Calgary. The previous location, originally built in the 60’s, sat on land needed for the light rail transit line expansion. Breaking ground in 2009, designers of the new center sought to create an atmosphere that would further inspire children’s curiosity and stimulate their desire to learn about science.

Traditionally catering to families with small children, the new TELUS Spark building has expanded their audience to older children, youth, and even adults. The 153,000 sq ft building, more than twice the size of the old building, contains a 10,000 sq ft atrium, multiple galleries and exhibits, a 240-seat 3D dome theater, and an internal 10,000 sq ft Creative Kids Museum designated for children under nine.

Hoping to build a foundation for future generations to pursue science related fields of study, TELUS Spark focuses on new and engaging experiences. Rather than just conveying information, the new center allows its audience to interact with science in a hands-on more organic style of learning. Through experiencing the process of science rather than just the outcome, TELUS Spark seeks to expand not only what is being learned, but also how it is being learned.

To create the necessary environment, the ground under and around the center was reclaimed to international environmental standards. Receiving LEED Gold certification, the new building is easily accessible to public transit, contains advanced systems to capture and use storm water in the toilets, and employs radiant heating panels in the floors and ceilings. To complement the aluminum standing seam roof, the fabricators at Igloo Erectors Ltd. chose ALPOLIC ACM panels, citing the product’s sustainability and large color selection as greatly beneficial.

photos © Igloo Erectors Ltd.

information © Igloo Erectors Ltd. + TELUS Spark-The New Science Centre