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CMHR

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is rooted in humanity, making the fundamental commonality of humankind visible in the building’s architecture as the journey through it parallels an epic journey through life. Intended to be a symbolic apparition of ice, clouds and stone in a field of prairie grass, the galleries are clad in native limestone and present a high contrast to the transparency of the cloud-like enclosure around the administrative functions. Smith Carter, as Prime Architect, is working with Design Architect, Antoine Predock, and is directly responsible for implementation of the design, including issues such as: sustainability and LEED®, cost management and sequential tendering, interface with the construction manager, quality control of documentation, commissioning and warranties.

This project is being implemented as Construction Management (CM) utilizing a ‘design assist process’. Construction commenced April 2009 with completion scheduled for Spring 2012. During the design process, six Value Engineering (VE) workshops were conducted and various cost reduction systems were considered, eg: reduction of program area, concrete vs steel superstructure, life cycle costs of finishes, fenestration of curtain wall, energy efficiency components, etc. Cost estimates are duo tracked: one by the CM; one by QS. Differences are reconciled; the baseline construction budget was established at $205 Million Cdn.

The project was designed to LEED® Silver rating and included the following
• 30-35% energy efficiency from NMEC standards
• Emphasis on natural lighting
• Storm water retention ponds, waterless/low flow fixtures
• Recycled content for metals, glass, aggregates, etc.
• Non-toxic finishes ie: no CFC, etc.
• Green roofs (on roots of humanity)

Because the site was used as a first settlement and meeting place by First Nations peoples in the Canadian Prairies, there were artefacts of historical significance buried into the ground. Therefore, when the site was identified, a team of archaeologists conducted investigations for over two years prior to any permanent construction on the site.