This project involved the design of a highly secure 4,181 sq m office building and renovating 3,252 sq m of existing space for a critical infrastructure operator in Western Canada. The facility, designed to meet stringent anti-terrorism, bomb resistance, and vehicle anti-breach requirements, accommodates a diverse range of functions: general offices for engineers, planners, and administrative staff; an Emergency Operations Centre; a Call Centre; secure “War Rooms”; and space for external contractors.
S2’s design process prioritized a “from the inside-out” approach, with extensive programming and schematic design phases that included interactive workshops and “testfits” to optimize the building layout and size. This ensured that the interior spaces effectively supported the organization’s complex operations and workflow. A key challenge was creating a modern and engaging work environment that would attract new talent while appealing to employees relocating from the existing corporate headquarters.
The final design successfully balances the organization’s need for a secure and functional facility with a refreshed aesthetic that fosters a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere. The result is a space that reflects the company’s leading-edge position in the industry while providing an attractive and motivating environment for its employees.
