Calgary Courts Centre

Serving both federal and provincial judicial systems, the Calgary Courts Centre, with 73 courtrooms, is the largest justice center of its kind in Canada. NORR, as associate architect working with Kasian, designed the twin 20 and 24-floor towers linked by one of the biggest cold climate glass atriums in the world.

This expression of openness and transparency provides natural light and views to the surrounding city and distant Rocky Mountains. Air movement within the soaring 400-foot (122-meter) double-glazed atrium is closely monitored to ensure that winter condensation does not develop and temperature remains constant from top to bottom. Glass elevator cabs transport visitors up the atrium to bridge lobbies that connect the court buildings. One of the most advanced electronic docketing systems in North America assists visitors in finding their way to court. As stipulated by the client, NORR designed the judicial building to US General Services Administration Guidelines. The result is a landmark in Calgary’s downtown core.