Olympic Plaza Pavilion
2021
with Armaghan Divanei, Rujuta Nayak
Canada is currently undergoing a period of critical
reflection regarding how the country recognizes and treats its minority groups.
At the forefront of this reflection the country seeks to reconcile its historic
and ongoing treatment of indigenous peoples. Other groups such as Black and
Asian Canadians have also awoken and deserve to have their voices and stories
heard. How can Canada start to reposition the Anglo-European narrative that it
has held onto for so long? How can it shift to a more expansive narrative that
recognises the validity of all peoples and their valuable contributions to
Canada?
Olympic Plaza exists as the centre point of public space in Calgary. Its construction was an important civic moment for the city that allowed people to contribute to its construction and espouse their civic pride. Despite this moment, the park has failed to live up to its promise of being the site where all citizens could come together and feel safe as one community.
The Serendipity Project seeks to redefine Olympic Plaza to reflect the current context of the city. Calgary today is a diverse mixture of peoples originating from around the world. Calgary today is looking to confront issues of past inequities and build a better future for the city. The Serendipity Project reimagines Olympic Plaza as the living room of Calgary: a place where everyone, regardless of background or social status, can come together to share stories. This redevelopment—a space for people to connect with fellow citizens to remark on and appreciate the contributions of all—will engender pride and highlight that Calgary is indeed a great place to live.
Olympic Plaza exists as the centre point of public space in Calgary. Its construction was an important civic moment for the city that allowed people to contribute to its construction and espouse their civic pride. Despite this moment, the park has failed to live up to its promise of being the site where all citizens could come together and feel safe as one community.
The Serendipity Project seeks to redefine Olympic Plaza to reflect the current context of the city. Calgary today is a diverse mixture of peoples originating from around the world. Calgary today is looking to confront issues of past inequities and build a better future for the city. The Serendipity Project reimagines Olympic Plaza as the living room of Calgary: a place where everyone, regardless of background or social status, can come together to share stories. This redevelopment—a space for people to connect with fellow citizens to remark on and appreciate the contributions of all—will engender pride and highlight that Calgary is indeed a great place to live.
