consisted of a suite of virtual roundtable sessions and an online survey. The roundtables gathered valuable feedback from two dozen arts and community groups, and the survey garnered nearly 2,000 responses from the public city-wide. “The feedback showed that, by and large, Calgarians are excited about a revitalized Arts Commons and are generally well-aligned on their priorities for this transformation,” Clare recalls. As reflected in the feedback, Clare explains that the themes the public were most concerned about revolved around accessibility and comfort. “Calgarians feel strongly that the new spaces should address patrons’ needs around parking, washrooms and physical access to and within the building. Popular topics included more comfortable seats, better navigation and improved accessibility for patrons, performers and service staff.” The public also wanted “amenities that enhance and enrich the experience,” Clare adds. “Calgarians want an ‘arts destination’—a welcoming and impressive building they’re proud of that delivers a complete experience that’s pleasant, entertaining and enriching.” They also wanted indoor and outdoor spaces that “flow together,” Clare says. “Many people see the surrounding public realm as underutilized; they want the outdoor areas to be places they can comfortably walk through or spend time in. Calgarians expressed keen interest in integrating Arts Commons with its surroundings through programming and by creating a more natural flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.” Finally, the feedback expressed that the public wanted programming that offered “variety, diversity, and enrichment.” “Calgarians believe it’s important that Arts Commons remains committed to offering programming that appeals to Calgarians and that reflects and respects the evolving social landscape.” The full ‘What We Heard’ report, which further details the public feedback solicited during that engagement process, can be found online. For more on that project – and more on how CMLC is bringing the Rivers District Community Revitalization Plan to life, in The C+E, East Village, and elsewhere – check out the next edition of Construction Source Canada. DECEMBER 2022
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTYzNTg=