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Eau Claire Plaza03-05-26 | News

Eau Claire Plaza

Calgary, Alberta, Canada
by Keziah Olsen, LASN

What started as a simple "blue dot" on a site plan in 2020 has become one of Calgary's most exciting public spaces. The vision was to transform a dated downtown plaza into an engaging, interactive destination that invites people to connect through movement, fog, and light.

The Parks Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. Eau Claire Plaza is one of several great projects we are excited to showcase on LandscapeArchitect.com.

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Led by Dialog with the City of Calgary, the team designed, choreographed, and manufactured the signature water feature that defines the plaza. Working closely with AME Consulting Group for mechanical engineering, AES Engineering Ltd. for electrical engineering, and Ful-Flo Industries Ltd. as the water feature contractor, they brought the concept to life through a seamless blend of design and technical precision. The design journey began with early spray jet concepts, which evolved through multiple iterations into a fully fog-based, LED-integrated experience.

The final design spans 400 square meters and features 79 custom fog niches, 43 of which have integrated LED ring lights, divided into 12 interactive zones controlled by four stainless steel bollards. Each activation creates a dynamic play of fog and light that shifts with user movement, transforming the atmosphere from calm and ethereal to bold and kinetic. Designed for year-round operation, the water feature will be winterized with decorative cylinders, allowing the light show to continue operating when the water is off. This ensures the feature remains visually engaging and active even during Calgary's colder months.

Eau Claire Plaza now stands as a renewed landmark for Calgary, more than a water feature, it is a living installation that redefines how public spaces can engage in emotion, creativity, and connection.

To see more Park projects, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/call-for-editorial-parks#article1

For more information about submitting a project, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/editorial/editorial-submissions.php

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