Royal Alberta Museum

• Integral research and collection endeavors are also effectuated by the RAM, with 13 current programs covering a vast diversity of historical practices. Additionally, the Alberta Biodiversity Institute’s processing centre is stationed within the museum.
• More than twice as large as the past Glenora site, the new museum building is approximately 37,100 square metres / 399,340 square feet, and better equipped to showcase Alberta’s history and to host travelling exhibits. DIALOG’s multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, interior designers, and landscape architects worked closely to embrace a new vision for Downtown Edmonton with vibrancy, accessibility, and sustainability. The RAM will serve as a focal point to help engage and unify the community in the Arts District.

LOCATION AND TRANSIT

• The project is located in a high-density and accessible area serviced by the light-rail public transport. Sustainable transport is encouraged by ample bicycle storage and a small amount of parking on-site for fleet vehicles
• Orientation using views to the outdoor and natural light
• The courtyards are the outdoor spaces that offer the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a northern city in the shoulder seasons
• The building and site create lasting public places of benefit to broad community

LANDSCAPE

• Landscape species selection and rain-garden design that minimize the amount of water needed for irrigation
• Rainwater is collected from the roof to cistern for use in irrigation
• Trees are planted in continuous soil mass volume
• Native collected plants (West Courtyard)
• Native plants and cultivars of native plants
• Grasses and forbs – Range from field seed collected to potted hybrids
• Woody plants – shrubs and trees – mix of native cultivars and hardy introductions (Elm Trees)
• Permeable pavers are included in the lower pedestrian traffic areas. Storm water percolates through to sub-soil assembly

WATER EFFICIENCY

• Low-flow plumbing fixtures are provided, saving over 35% of indoor water consumption annually

AIR QUALITY

• Unique HVAC design maximizes energy recovery while providing tight environmental controls for temperature and humidity in exhibit spaces
• Selection of materials containing recycled content, are produced locally and comply with VOC requirements to maintain the precious indoor air quality required by the museum

HEATING AND COOLING

• Condensing boilers and water-to-water heat pump provide efficient heating and cooling
• Mechanical systems utilize the heat rejected from spaces requiring year-round cooling (such as Electrical/Comm rooms) in the radiant floor and reheat coil loops
• Heat recovery coils are installed on the exhaust systems
• A high performing building envelope and reduced window-to-wall ratio decreases the heating and cooling loads the mechanical systems need to cover. This is especially important in collection/exhibit areas with critical environmental requirements.
• During unoccupied hours with lower loads, air change rates are minimized for energy conservation
• Controls use CO2 and occupancy sensors, as well as building schedules to reduce air volumes when able
• Major fans and pumps have variable speed motors

LIGHTING

• Energy-efficient lighting is controlled with automatic sensors for occupancy and daylight

MONITORING

• Enhanced commissioning and measurement and verification to provide feedback on system performance relative to design intent
• Building envelope commissioning providing detailed design and construction review for enhanced air-tightness, water-tightness and thermal performance
• The building is designed for a 100-year service life, ensuring that it will be a part of the community for generations to come