flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Canada’s newest funicular makes Edmonton’s largest green space more accessible

Sports and Recreational Facilities

Canada’s newest funicular makes Edmonton’s largest green space more accessible

The incline elevator is located in downtown Edmonton and was publicly funded.


By David Malone, Associate Editor | December 18, 2017
The new Edmonton Funicular

Photo: Brock Kryton

The 100 Street Funicular and Frederick G. Todd Lookout, the newest funicular in Canada, opened in downtown Edmonton in early December. The $24 million cable-mechanized incline elevator can transport mobility aids, bikes, and strollers to make Edmonton’s river valley more accessible.

A staircase runs parallel to the funicular. The staircase features built-in concrete block seating and a special path for runners. The staircase features about 170 steps made out of Kebony wood, an eco-friendly wood known for its durability – it lasts six times longer than pressure-treated wood. The staircase and incline elevator both lead to a connected promenade and raised lookout.

 

The Kebony wood stairs and concrete seats running parallel to the funicular Photo: Brock Kryton.

 

The funicular descends to the promenade and lookout point that provides unobstructed views of the river valley. From there, stairs or an elevator can be used to descend the rest of the way.

Dialog, the architectural firm behind the project, says the design was heavily influenced by the existing connective infrastructure of Edmonton’s river valley system. The Kebony wood stairs visually connect to the Kebony wood used on the boardwalk and architectural cladding.

 

Stairs and elevator leading down from the lookout pointPhoto: Brock Kryton.

 

Braille on the funicular and elevator buttons, extra lighting, and security are all included to enhance accessibility.

Related Stories

Building Team Awards | May 23, 2016

'Greenest ballpark' proves a winner for St. Paul Saints

Solar arrays, a public art courtyard, and a picnic-friendly “park within a park" make the 7,210-seat CHS Field the first ballpark to meet Minnesota sustainable building standards.

Sports and Recreational Facilities | May 20, 2016

Texas Rangers announce plans for $1 billion retractable roof ballpark

The new stadium will replace Globe Life Park, which is only 22 years old.  

Sports and Recreational Facilities | May 19, 2016

Audacy brings wireless lighting controls to Wrigley Field’s new clubhouse

The Audacy system uses a combination of motion sensors, luminaire controllers, light sensors, and switches that are all connected and coordinated by Gateways.

Sports and Recreational Facilities | May 6, 2016

NBA’s Atlanta Hawks to build new practice center with attached medical facilities

The team will have easy access to an MRI machine, 3D motion capture equipment, and in-ground hydrotherapy. 

BIM and Information Technology | May 2, 2016

How HDR used computational design tools to create Omaha's UNO Baxter Arena

Three years after writing a white paper about designing an arena for the University of Nebraska Omaha, HDR's Matt Goldsberry says it's time to cherry-pick the best problem-solving workflows.

Mixed-Use | May 1, 2016

A man-made lagoon with a Bellagio-like fountain will be the highlight of a mixed-use project outside Dallas

Construction will soon begin on housing, retail, and office spaces.

Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 17, 2016

An expanded and renovated complex brings together U. of Colorado’s sports programs

This two-year project enhances the experiences of athletes and fans alike.

Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 13, 2016

Cubs take a measured approach when planning HD video boards

Along with the mammoth and super-sharp video boards, Wrigley Field's 1060 Project includes renovated bleachers, upgraded player amenities, and more concourses, decks, and concessions.

Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 13, 2016

More than a game: 4 ways sports teams are adapting to changing fan preferences

As the cost of tickets, parking, and concessions skyrockets, while home theater technology becomes more affordable, fans wonder: Why even bother going to the game? Here’s how progressive sports owners and Building Teams are packing stadium seats.

Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 11, 2016

Chicago Cubs continue Wrigley Field renovations with new clubhouse

The team found 30,000 sf of space underneath an old parking lot, nearly tripling the size of the old clubhouse. 

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




Mixed-Use

A surging master-planned community in Utah gets its own entertainment district

Since its construction began two decades ago, Daybreak, the 4,100-acre master-planned community in South Jordan, Utah, has been a catalyst and model for regional growth. The latest addition is a 200-acre mixed-use entertainment district that will serve as a walkable and bikeable neighborhood within the community, anchored by a minor-league baseball park and a cinema/entertainment complex.

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021