Downtown Architectural Tour - 1-Day

Friday - July 17


MAXIMUM 12 ATTENDEES


PRICE:  $35


NOTE:  The cost of C-Train tickets and admission to Studio Bell are included in the price.

Start Time:  8:30 am (Full Day)

Return Time:  Approximately 6:00 pm

Information & Itinerary

This walking tour highlights some of Calgary's most striking modern and contemporary architectural landmarks, all within close proximity in the downtown core and East Village.


The main Calgary Central Library’s striking façade is a striking elliptical structure composed of interlocking hexagonal patterns of glass and composite aluminum panels. The interior is defined by a soaring, hemlock-lined atrium with a large skylight, creating a spacious, light-filled environment.


A short walk away is Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre which features a unique architecture with nine curved terra cotta-clad towers rising through five floors. Visitors explore a range of music-inspired exhibitions throughout.

During the walking tour, the exteriors of other sites will be visited including the 58-story Bow Building with its curved glass façade and exposed diagonal grid of structural steel. In the plaza below stands “Wonderland” a massive head-shaped sculpture, in addition to the Telus Sky and the historic City Hall building. 

Additional Details

Photo Types:

  • Architectural
  • Urban

Travel Mode:

  • LRT/Walk

Ground:

  • Pavement

Snacks & Water:

  • No

Meals:

  • No

Sample Images from Excursion Locations:

  • Skyscraper with patterned facade rises above a church and adjacent building against a blue sky.

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  • Tall checkered skyscraper against a blue sky, flanked by other buildings in a city.

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  • Modern skyscraper's corner, showcasing rows of windows and reflecting sunlight. Dark, geometric design.

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  • Skyscrapers against a blue sky, framing a textured, dark central building.

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  • Abstract black and white architectural detail of a building facade, with repeating rectangular patterns creating a layered effect.

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  • Rows of stadium seats, black and white, angled perspective.

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  • Abstract, black and white shot of modern building facades with patterned textures.

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  • Black and white photograph of two skyscrapers. One with many windows, the other with vertical stripes.

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  • Modern, curved building with geometric facade. Trees and colorful sculptures in front, blue sky in background.

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  • Interior view of a modern library with wooden architectural elements and large central staircase.

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  • Wooden staircase with built-in lighting ascends between wood-paneled walls, leading upward.

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  • Wooden staircase spiraling up in a modern library. Natural wood tones throughout; curved walls, glass railing.

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  • Wooden staircase with a handrail, leading up toward a skylight.

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  • Wooden staircase with vertical slat walls and illuminated handrail.

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  • Curving hallway with wooden panel wall, geometric white wall, and concrete floor.

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  • Wooden slatted interior walls meet at angles, creating a triangular space; warm brown tones.

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  • Wooden ceiling panels converging, revealing blue sky and glass structure.

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  • Modern interior with curved wall art, high windows, wood ceiling, chairs.

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  • Abstract artwork with stacked, horizontal blocks in shades of blue, orange, brown, and grey.

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  • Studio Bell building with a curved, metallic exterior under a blue sky.

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  • Looking up a modern, spiral staircase with gold and silver accents and recessed lights.

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  • Abstract shot of bronze-colored tiled walls twisting around a central metallic column.

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  • Curved, metallic-tiled walls enclose a small seating area with red chairs and a yellow table.

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  • Curving metallic wall with a spiraling staircase and railing.

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  • Black and white photo of a modern building interior with a corridor of textured metal walls leading to a distant view.

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  • Black and white photo of a staircase with metal railings. Brick wall on the left and geometric patterns in the background.

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  • Black and white photo of a staircase with brick walls and dark railings.

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  • Architectural interior with curved metallic structures and patterned ceiling. Black and white.

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  • Black and white interior shot of a long hallway with textured walls leading to exterior windows. Two benches are visible.

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  • Black and white photo of a stage ceiling with many hanging vertical rods and spotlights.

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Photo Excursion Leader

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Byron Robb

Co-Leader

Byron Robb started photographing in 2007 after spending a winter in Mexico where he found that photography was a great addition to spending time on the beach.  Through taking online courses, he expanded his ability to enjoy his images and three years later, joined the Foothills Camera Club with the intention of learning more and acquiring some friends in the photography community.  Since that time, he has been an active member of the FCC executive and is currently the Field Trip Director and coordinates two special interest groups: Shoot Like Film and Tripod Tuesdays. 

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Richard Martin

Co-Leader

Our plenary speaker Richard Martin will be assisting Byron on this excursion, bringing his love of geometry, pattern, texture, and light to the group's experience of exploring downtown Calgary's Architecture.  Richard is well known for sharing his enthusiasm, creative vision and passion for photography, which will surely enrich the experience of all those attending.