Building on our completed study for the City of Airdrie, this project represents a significant step toward supporting the City’s continued growth and meeting the needs of its expanding population. Envisioned as a vibrant civic hub, the South West Recreation Centre is designed to foster community connection and a strong sense of identity while providing flexible, adaptable spaces that can evolve over time and deliver long-term value.
The three-phase development includes an aquatic centre, fitness centre, triple-sheet ice rink, and fieldhouse, thoughtfully organized to support both community-based recreation and larger-scale events. Elements of Phase 1 feature a family activity zone, lap and leisure pools, community gathering spaces, and a fitness centre, each designed to promote accessibility, informal use, competition, and community-focused programming.
A cul-de-sac layout connects the three primary building masses, encouraging intuitive circulation and inviting users to move fluidly throughout the facility. This central organizing gesture reinforces wayfinding while creating opportunities for social interaction and discovery across program areas.
The inclusion of three ice arenas significantly increases ice availability for the City, with two community rinks supporting local participation alongside a feature arena capable of hosting higher-level events. Together, these facilities position ice sports as a central community gathering element. The gymnasium and fieldhouse further enhance the project’s flexibility, accommodating a wide range of sports and activities through adaptable layouts that support simultaneous use, organized programming, and informal recreation.
The design approach is informed by the organization of movement within the site, with faster, large-scale circulation and servicing elements expressed along the exterior, while slower, more intimate community-building moments emerge within the interior spaces. This balance creates a dynamic yet welcoming environment that supports both efficiency and connection, reinforcing the facility’s role as a cornerstone of community life in Airdrie.
Airdrie, AB
