The new Young Women’s Hub facility in Calgary, which opened in 2019, includes many forward-thinking aspects that could become mainstays for Canada’s shelters in a post-COVID future.
Design efforts for the award-winning Hub were led by Kasian Architecture and wayfinding and experiential design experts, Entro, and focused on the theme of building community from within by promoting women in Alberta - both through the centre’s work and its design.
The hub is equipped with a full offering of community services, including daycare and medical facilities, as well as ample outdoor space, to ensure a safe and thriving space that women can call home.
Together with curator Mary-Beth Laviolette, a unique program was created to blend art and design with social need and service - to create a home-like environment that is welcoming and inviting.
Works of art were integrated with wayfinding and used as landmarks, room identification beacons and as the backdrop to activity spaces.
Created by women for women, the hub has been filled with commissioned works by Alberta’s women artists.