Calgary Arts Academy: Igniting connection for students through academic facility design

The Calgary Arts Academy serves as a cultural hub for youth-led arts and performance, and its middle school campus is one of the few arts-focused charter schools in the city. The Academy integrates the arts into every subject, creating an immersive learning environment for students from grades six to nine, with plans to expand into high school.

A key challenge was adapting the historic Weston Bakery into a contemporary learning space. Built in 1929 and vacant since the 1980s, the structure required a full architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical restoration. Situated within the Calgary Stampede Youth Campus, the school’s entrance was positioned beside the main plaza to strengthen its presence and accessibility.

Working closely with students and staff, the design team moved away from traditional classroom models in favor of openness, visibility, and strong indoor-outdoor connections. Careful analysis of the bakery’s interior led to the preservation of original ceilings, pipes, and beams. These elements now frame staff spaces including offices, meeting rooms, and a staff lounge, creating a clear contrast with the new addition.

The contemporary addition acts as a transparent counterpoint to the historic foundation. Extensive glazing allows artwork and activity to be visible from the exterior, while a glass elevator and a series of alcoves and casual gathering spaces encourage movement and informal interaction.

Three large contiguous learning zones house flexible classrooms equipped with retractable stages, science bars, art storage, and washing stations. Curved free-floating flower-shaped lockers and student artwork decorate the halls.

The only school of its kind in North America, the Academy achieved LEED Silver certification and is designed to accommodate future expansion so more students can access an arts-based education.