Client: Aspen Properties

Overview

Heavy was commissioned by Aspen Properties to facilitate the creation of an iconic artwork for the entrance of Edison building in downtown Calgary. The team collaborated with artist Jill Anholt to bring a piece of Canadian history to life with her newest work, Emergent. Taking elements from the pioneering days of the Canadian Pacific Railway, she created a monument that recalls the bustling history of Calgary as a hub for the railway industry.

The piece utilizes mild steel rail, cast steel in the shape of railway tie,mirror polished stainless steel, IPE boards and integrated LED lights.

Goals

A renovation of the existing Edison, the owner wanted to tie the strong industrial and railway themes from the inside and bring them outside, creating an icon and activating the plaza for its users.

Process

Engaged by the owner directly to plan, build and install a unique piece, Heavy had a series of series of detailed meetings to capture what Aspen Properties was looking for, choosing to bring an artist onto the team to help bring that vision to life.

Ultimately, Heavy selected Jill Anholt to collaborate with and develop concepts for the plaza. With a concept selected, the team took several approaches to maintain the intent of the piece and identify challenges up front. Materials included freight rail combined with cast parts to form the complex bends and custom machined IPE boards, each individually machined to accurately match the skewed and twisting curvatures of the planes.