Banff Visitor Center Redevelopment

[DougB]

Parks Canada is holding a design competition for redevelopment of the Visitor Center:

https://www.letstalkmountainparks.ca/200-block-banff-avenue-redevelopment-2026?tool=news_feed#tool_tab

All 6 concepts are good! I think I like #2 the least, and #3 the most

 

[DiscoStu]

Nice! They all kind of look like they came from the same studio...but all look pretty solid to me.

 

[BigWoofer]

I don't love any of them, but I quite like #5 - it feels retro. I've always liked the 60s-70s national park aesthetic, and I feel that it channels that.

 

[blue12]

I like #2 the most, but #5 probably fits the vibe of Banff the best. #1 and #4 feel too sterile.

 

[haltcatchfire]

#5 is the one I like the most.

 

[Mountain Man]

#2 for the win

 

[CallmeCatbread]

Y'all are crazy. 3 is my favourite and definitely the most unique. 2 is a close second. 4 is cool from some angles but ultimately looks like an airport lounge. 1 is weird but could be good. 5 and 6 are really boring. None are bad though

 

[boreal96]

#5 feels the most local/north american

 

[haltcatchfire]

Might as well add the larger views in here.

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

 

[ByeByeBaby]

A few thoughts:
#1 - Don't mind the public building, but the residential buildings are somehow obstructive to me.
#2 - I think this one has grown on me. Might be my favourite.
#3 - lives and dies on how well the green roof works, and my guess is it won't given the harsh climate.
#4 - I don't mind, but think this is the most 'of its time' design.
#5 - Don't like the residential building on Banff Ave; it sterilizes half the block. The big shale roof somehow feels like it has the wrong slope to me somehow.
#6 - Has the best single idea; a rooftop terrace that would offer amazing views and pull visitors through the building. But not great otherwise. Also the video doesn't properly pronounce the name of the main geographical feature that inspired them, the "Bow" (as in bow to your overlord) river.

 

[blue12]

Couldn't help but notice that in design #2 the old Parks Canada logo is displayed on the outside of the building instead of the current one. Maybe wishful thinking, but they could be teasing that this emblem is coming back......

 

[kora]

Wow. Banff stepping up. My vote is #3

 

[Beltline_B]

I like all of them. From my point of view, build any of the designs, and call me when you’re done.

 

[MarLoopy]

Does anyone know which scheme is by which firm?

Source: https://bowvalleyinsider.com/p/six-final-designs-banff-avenue-redesign

 

[Rusteez42]

#2 for me. It feels like a Parks building already and I don't know why. I like #1 as well and while #3 is cool, that area is not very big and I'm not sure the buildings will feel grand enough.