San Diego, CA – Contrarian Micro Textures was honored January 25, 2011 with Metal Construction Association’s President’s Award for Overall Excellence for the Art Gallery of Alberta, Edmonton.
“The stunning gallery, designed by architect Randall Stout, opened a year ago. The design reinvents the museum’s public spaces through a continuous stainless steel surface that moves lithely through the museum’s interior and exterior spaces,” courtesy Randall Stout Architects website. Known by many as the “Aurora Borealis” it is that dramatic architectural feature that uses Contrarian Micro Textures’ non-directional, low gloss, uniformly textured InvariMatte® stainless steel finish. The undulating ribbon was fabricated by A. Zahner, Kansas City, MO. Zahner’s Hunter Pre-weathered Zinc, which resembles slate or limestone, was used throughout the interior and exterior of the building on flat and geometric surfaces. Flynn of Canada handled the installation.
The public is guided to entry points for the galleries, gathering spaces and event areas by the stainless steel ribbon as it shows visitors the way to their area of interest. The galleries are more traditional in shape which offers maximum flexibility for exhibitions, programs and shows.
“We are honored to have our InvariMatte® stainless steel featured on this outstanding project. Randall Stout’s creativity combined with expert fabrication and engineering on the part of A. Zahner Company add significance to our participation,” Halliday explained. “While our participation in the project should be recognition enough, we are humbled that the MCA has honored us with the President’s Award for Overall Excellence,” he added.
The addition added 87,000 sq. ft. to the museum, 30,000 of which is new exhibition space. Its original design was a 1960’s concrete structure. Access to Edmonton’s underground light rail system and public walk-way via the main lobby add to the amenities.