Security, Administration, and Control Center

The directive: Design a facility so exceptional that to work there would be coveted by oil sands experts the world over. The building should push the envelope of control center design, incorporating modern elements that had never before been used. The result would be a place to which top talent would be drawn. The solution: Enter BAW.

A multi-purpose center featuring state-of-the-art control room, security, administration, training, permitting and food service areas was designed.

The architectural vocabulary of the project was exposed structure for the entire facility, including the control room, which creatively utilizes 20-meter long span trusses that suspend the roof over the control room below. This speaks to creative design.

Large screens supplement the 12 individual consoles, so a supervisor can get an overview and information can be shared. Outward-facing custom consoles were ergonomically designed and acoustic engineering best practices employed at every turn. Each console is identical, enabling seamless shifting of personnel as needed.

A three-story atrium was constructed, connecting the control center to administration, to foster collaboration within a multi-purpose space. The building was the gateway to the entire development, and creates a dramatic first impression for the visitor encountering a multibillion-dollar plant.