Nestled in the foothills of the northwest part of Calgary, the Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge is a regional community and recreation center that combines sports and fitness activities with cultural and community uses. Inspired by the rolling landscape, the YMCA is an open and integrated facility connecting uses on the site with the activities inside.
The building houses a hockey and leisure ice arena, a triple gymnasium, a running track, a large fitness area and studios, and an aquatics center with an eight-lane, 25-meter competition pool, a wave pool, a lazy river and vortex, a climbing wall, a water slide and a tots pool.
In addition to its fitness and recreation uses, Shane Homes YMCA has community program spaces including a 250-seat theater, art-making and display spaces, and a public library branch. It also incorporates tenant spaces for food services and physiotherapy.
Judge's Comments
“This is a compelling use of an abstract roof form to unify the building’s curves. Understated interior design and the roof structural system all contribute to the great feeling of the building.” — Don Jones
“Public concourse is a vibrant and well-thought-out space with views to all major activity areas. Single roof form is bold, yet refined.” — Adam Bastjan
“Certainly unconventional and bold, but graceful in concept and execution. Most probably love it or hate it. I’m in the first camp.” — Stephen Springs