CALGARY’S VIBRANT SPIRIT

EXPERIENCE A UNIQUE BLEND OF MODERN SOPHISTICATION AND NATURAL ELEMENTS INSPIRED BY CALGARY’S DYNAMIC CULTURE, HISTORY, AND ICONIC STAMPEDE.

The design at Delta Calgary Downtown was inspired by the vibrant and diverse spirit of Calgary itself. The design reflects the city’s unique blend of business, agriculture, and festive atmosphere, particularly during the iconic Stampede, capturing Calgary’s perpetual state of movement and evolution.

Drawing from Calgary’s deep connection with nature and its ever-changing weather patterns, the design employs a natural palette, clean lines, and abstract textures. Stone and wood elements evoke the surrounding nature, while refined silhouettes and high-end finishes keep the ambiance modern and sophisticated. Rope accents throughout the hotel are a nod to the early days of exploration along the Bow River, symbolizing the strength and unity of the city.

Bright optimism and the youthful energy of Calgary are embodied in the use of color. Grey, brown, and black tones are accented with goldenrod and serene blues, creating a welcoming and playful environment. The thoughtful placement of these colors in architectural elements and unexpected locations invites guests to embrace the lively spirit of Calgary during their stay.

The design approach to the public areas and guestrooms encapsulates the diverse nature of Calgary. The design marries modernity with elements of nature, making the rooms feel airy, fresh, and functional. Guests experience a blend of bold yet earthy colors, creating a space that is both bright and restful, reflecting the dynamic and growing city.

The hotel’s restaurant, Shoe & Canoe Public House, was designed to offer an authentically Canadian experience, appealing to both locals and guests. Inspired by David Thompson, a cartographer for the Hudson Bay Company and the first recorded European to visit the area, the design celebrates connections to people, land, and local history.

THE DESIGN APPROACH TO THE PUBLIC AREAS AND GUESTROOMS ENCAPSULATES THE DIVERSE NATURE OF CALGARY. THE DESIGN MARRIES MODERNITY WITH ELEMENTS OF NATURE, MAKING THE ROOMS FEEL AIRY, FRESH, AND FUNCTIONAL.

BRIGHT OPTIMISM AND THE YOUTHFUL ENERGY OF CALGARY ARE EMBODIED IN THE USE OF COLOR. GREY, BROWN, AND BLACK TONES ARE ACCENTED WITH GOLDENROD AND SERENE BLUES, CREATING A WELCOMING AND PLAYFUL ENVIRONMENT.

Intricate wood detailing throughout the restaurant draws inspiration from handmade canoes used to navigate the rivers, while a large central bar serves as the social hub, reminiscent of a trading post along the riverbanks. The back bar features a 20-foot tall graphic of a modern map of the city, paying homage to Thompson’s original cartography. Other design elements include brightly lit and colorful globes, natural materials, and a dramatic ceiling-mounted canoe light fixture. Copper and rope accents further connect the design to Calgary’s river exploration history.