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801 Seventh

Project Details

801 Seventh has long been a prominent feature of Calgary’s skyline, a landmark of architectural boldness and shifting identity. Now, the tower is experiencing a transformational reawakening—we’ve reimagined its public spaces to create an adaptable, welcoming environment designed to attract and inspire a new generation of tenants.

Recently designated as the future home of the University of Calgary’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, 801 Seventh is a vibrant academic and professional centre in downtown. The atrium and lobby areas will soon be filled with student activity, public talks, and cross-disciplinary exchange.

Our redesign begins at the ground floor, where a striking social staircase anchors the lobby atrium space. More than just a sculptural centrepiece, it serves as a multifunctional space—doubling as seating for informal gatherings, lunch breaks, and public events. Designed to bridge the disconnect between the Plus 15 network and the atrium space, its stepped platform fosters a sense of community, inviting people to pause, engage, and connect. Complemented by a direct stair connection to the Plus-15 level, these interventions improve flow and reinforce the building’s role as a gateway to Calgary’s elevated pedestrian network.

The atrium has been transformed into a luminous, multi-use space, featuring natural materials, biophilic planting, and soft lighting inspired by the northern lights. This renewed heart of the building will serve as a venue for student exhibitions, pop-up lectures, and impromptu social interactions, making it an active crossroads for tenants and the wider community.

In the North lobby, a signature digital art installation merges sculptural expression with landmark wayfinding, rising prominently behind expansive glazing along 7th Street and 7th Avenue. Visible from the C-Train line and surrounding public plaza, the installation acts a dynamic beacon, its shifting pixelated forms bridging the exterior and interior experience. As both a visual landmark and point of entry, it draws people inward, guiding them into the lobby while adding depth and vibrancy to the building’s urban presence. The installation can also serve as a backdrop for conference presentations and public programming, reinforcing the lobby’s role as a flexible, multi-functional space.

A dramatic spiral staircase connects the North lobby to the Plus-15 level and the building’s food court.

This revitalization addresses aesthetic upgrades and improves the tenant experience. Adaptable seating areas, ample natural light, and seamless connections to the Plus-15 level support today’s work styles, while neutral palettes and durable finishes provide long-term flexibility and visual continuity.

More than a facelift, this is a repositioning strategy with measurable impact. By enhancing connectivity, modernizing amenities, and supporting a diverse range of uses, 801 Seventh is a destination of choice in Calgary’s downtown core. It serves as a renewed symbol of community, creativity, and forward momentum—and it’s just getting started.

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Project Details

Location

Calgary, Alberta

Client

Ursataur Capital Management

Status

Complete, 2025

Size

16,145 sq.ft. (1,500 sq.m.)

Scope

Architecture, Interior Design

Awards

ARIDO Award, Distinct Category, 2026

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