DELIVERING GLOBAL DESIGN SOLUTIONS
OVERVIEW
NORR is the Consulting Services Division and flagship brand of the
NORR serves clients in four primary project areas:
Ingenium Group of companies. Founded in Toronto in 1938 and now with offices also in Chicago, Detroit, Washington DC, Sacramento,
COMMERCIAL
Ottawa, Kingston, Calgary, Vancouver, New Delhi, Dubai, and Abu
NORR designers provide the intelligence needed to engage the global
Dhabi, NORR offers full service architecture, engineering, planning
commercial economy competitively and creatively through new
and i nterior design, providing truly integrated solutions for a wide
developments, retrofits, upgrades and renovation projects that focus
range
on maximizing the client’s return on investment.
of
transportation,
commercial,
public/institutional
and
lifestyle projects. The NORR brand provides a well honed balance of design, t echnology and management skills.
TRANSPORTATION With experience far beyond design and engineering, the reduction
As the legacy firm of John B. Parkin Associates, NORR has a proud
of carbon dioxide emissions, noise pollution and resolving other
history of serving clients who demand design excellence and unique
environmental issues are integral aspects of the firm’s work. In
solutions to complex requirements. At various stages of its evolution,
addition, NORR offers insightful strategies for the management of
NORR has worked on some of Canada’s most architecturally significant
facilities in a controlled and sustainable manner.
projects, including Toronto’s City Hall, the Toronto Dominion Center, Ford of Canada Headquarters and Toronto’s Rogers Center (SkyDome).
PUBLIC BUILDINGS
More recently, the firm has been responsible for the multi award
NORR is committed to designing timeless public architecture that
winning plaza at the Peace Bridge USA/Canada border crossing and the
responds to cultural, aesthetic and budgetary goals. The firm’s
redevelopment of the historic Automotive Exhibition Building into the
rational, enduring design solutions to complex issues result in
state of the art Allstream Center, conference and exhibition facility.
exceptional
buildings,
enhancing
the
infrastructure
of
the
communities they serve. NORR also boasts an impressive history in international work from its middle east base of operations in the UAE and a network of offices in
LIFESTYLE
the UK. NORR has been delivering quality design and development
Whether designing world class resorts or community shopping
solutions across the Middle East and Europe. Among the firm’s many
centers, NORR focuses on the clients’ business goals as well as the
noteworthy Middle East projects, NORR served as Architect of Record,
lifestyle and aspirations of the market being served. NORR’s designs
responsible for construction administration and project execution, on
interpret and support these objectives.
the Burj Khalifa project, recognized as the tallest building in the world at completion.
MEDIA CITY OFFICE DEVELOPMENT
AIR CANADA FITUP TERMINAL 1 TPIA
THE LANDINGS RESORT
OVERVIEW
WELLINGTON BUILDING, WATCH HOUSE RETAIL, MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF MEDICINE
COLLINS BAY INSTITUTION, SOLE VITA RESORT, CALGARY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CHIPS RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, GENERAL MOTORS CENTER, AL HITMI COMPLEX
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
Everywhere that NORR does business, it endeavors to make a
SUSTAINABILITY A CONCEPT WHOSE TIME HAS COME
definitive contribution to the development and maintenance of
Sustainable development is no longer a dream but increasingly it has
sustainable practices in the built environment.
become a practical reality. As companies, institutions and individuals all ponder the health of our planet, energy, water and indoor
A WORLD OF EXPERIENCE
environmental comfort and health issues have all come to the fore.
At NORR we bring together the growing resources and experience of
At NORR, sustainability considerations are second nature primarily
our network of offices to deliver Sustainability Consulting Services
due to our integrated design process. Holistic thinking is the norm,
using an integrated sustainable design approach. Our growing
not the exception. From green building design principles in new
portfolio of LEED® certified projects (both completed and underway)
structures to evaluating and retrofitting older buildings, we are at
is proof that our integrated approach is successful in meeting our
the forefront of bringing cost effective solutions to our clients,
clients’ needs.
ensuring that their developments have a competitive edge.
As a leader in integrated design for sustainability, NORR was
Our corporate commitment to leadership in meeting clients needs
responsible for one of Toronto’s first LEED® certified buildings, the
means that we continue to develop, test and fine tune our skills and
award winning, light and fresh air filled, SAS Headquarters. Other
knowledge in sustainable architecture and engineering solutions.
notable green building projects for which NORR has been responsible include the ongoing work on the Canadian Plaza at the Blue Water Bridge border crossing, the Allstream Center – Canada’s greenest convention center, and the Calgary Courts Center – one of North America’s largest consolidated justice facilities as well as numerous other rated commercial and institutional projects across North America and around the world.
SAS HEADQUARTERS
UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW, SMALL ANIMAL HOSPITAL
COLEMAN A YOUNG MUNICIPAL CENTER AUDITORIUM
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
A PRACTICAL APPROACH
Our LEED® Accredited Sustainability Specialists enhance their project
As a fully integrated architectural, engineering and interior design
team’s ability to achieve our client’s project objectives through a
firm, we understand the importance of incorporating green building
variety of multi disciplinary and integrated services, which include:
design principles that align with, and are responsive to, our clients’ project goals, schedules and budgets.
•
Architecture and building engineering
•
Energy and water usage studies
We pride ourselves on the delivery of creative, cost effective,
•
Design and supervision of remedial improvements
technically sophisticated and sustainable solutions.
•
Waste audits and improvement planning
•
Sustainable operations and maintenance through LEED® EBOM
ALLSTREAM CENTER CONVENTION FACILITY, RIDEAU VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
•
Sustainable office fitouts and LEED® for commercial interiors
•
Ecotransportation planning
•
Sustainability awareness and staff training
•
Sustainable procurement and corporate policies
GREEN HOTEL
CALGARY COURTS COMPLEX, OJIBWAY NATURE CENTER
COMMERCIAL
As the global market for commercial buildings, whether residential,
RESIDENTIAL
office, hotel or industrial, continues to shift and evolve, our clients
NORR understands that in the context of today’s economic
strive to ensure their facilities remain both relevant to needs and
environment, developers are looking for ways to differentiate their
competitive. This is of particular importance for clients with existing
buildings from those of their competitors. While the design of high
real estate who are looking to reduce operating costs while at the
density condominium and apartment buildings has traditionally been
same time refresh the image and competitiveness of their portfolio in
less imaginative than the design of other building types, the need for
the market. NORR is actively involved in retrofit, upgrading and
brand identity has resulted in projects within this segment that now
renovation projects that focus on maximizing return on investment.
embrace style and individuality. Our designers are working with
For example the renovations to the exterior and public spaces in the
developers to explore new architectural statements within the urban
Hudson Bay Center in Toronto succeeded in helping to reposition this
context while also addressing the needs of ever more sophisticated
strategically located asset within its uptown marketplace.
residents who are demanding buildings that offer modern amenities, comfort and convenience.
Our commercial capabilities are comprehensive and include the ability to provide a full range of in house services to new construction,
OFFICE
tenant fit up and building retrofit projects. In addition, we have the
We are proud to have been involved in a wide variety of iconic office
experience to offer a range of project delivery strategies based on the
facilities like the Ford Canada Headquarters in Oakville and Simcoe
needs of our clients.
Place in downtown Toronto. NORR has also achieved unprecedented success while competing in the international arena against many of
NORR’s designers provide the intelligence and expertise needed to
the leading commercial firms in the world. It is in this robust, highly
engage the commercial economy competitively and creatively and to
competitive forum that we have continued to develop, fine tune and
create a finished product that is focused on maximizing the client’s
test our skills and knowledge of commercial real estate.
return on investment, improving productivity and managing real estate costs.
SIMCOE PLACE OFFICE
THE WAVES RESIDENTIAL
QUADRUS CENTER
COMMERCIAL
HOTEL
INDUSTRIAL
With the changing needs of their guests, hotels are being pressured
Fast delivery of flexible, cost effective space is critical to
to offer a variety of new facilities and services in order to attract and
manufacturers. Staying competitive in today’s industrial sector means
retain guests. Today’s hotels will often need to incorporate the latest
employing best in class processes and procedures in the marketplace.
in state of the art in room technology services, sophisticated business
The challenge to manufactures is to be relentless in the pursuit of
and leisure facilities, along with banquet and conference facilities.
operational excellence by continuously adapting new technologies
Discriminating business and vacation guests expect their hotel to truly
and investing in people, product, research and development. The
be their ‘home away from home.’
challenge to designers and implementors, is to create a space that meets the needs of today while also preparing for the potential of change in needs and/or technology in the future.
EMIRATES TOWERS OFFICE / HOTEL
SOLE VITA RESORT, THE JAMES HOTEL
CELESTICA MANUFACTURING & TESTING FACILITIES, SCOTIABANK CLIENT SERVICES
PUBLIC BUILDINGS
Public Buildings are an important element in the infrastructure of
EDUCATION
communities both large and small. NORR is committed to designing
Primary, secondary and post secondary educational institutions each
timeless public architecture that responds to cultural, aesthetic and
have their own particular challenges in fulfilling their mandates. One
budgetary goals. Our public sector clients benefit from rational and
common element is that effective planning for the 21st century involves
enduring, design solutions comprising elegant and appropriate
“thinking beyond today.” Schools are expensive to build and maintain
responses to complex issues resulting in exceptional buildings.
and the challenge will always be to balance the demand for quality education with budgetary realities. NORR’s methodology in the design
NORR has demonstrated a high degree of proficiency in delivering
of educational facilities involves a sophisticated level of programming,
excellent long term solutions in our projects. As designers, we look to
a thorough understanding of building science and the educational
identify evolving attitudes and practices in order to understand how
mission of the school with a view to the future.
they might affect physical settings. Our strength is in supporting our clients’ institutions by creating environments that facilitate their needs
JUSTICE
both now and into the future.
Justice facilities are the cornerstones of a civilized society. They represent the delivery of our judicial system, where law and order is
As greater emphasis is placed on the need for technically advanced
determined and administered. They are often seen as a fixed point on
and sustainable facilities, decisions must be made regarding older
which society is built, yet they are actually constantly evolving to meet
properties that have served their intended purpose and must either
the needs of the dynamic body of law. Today’s justice facilities are
be revitalized, replaced or sold. Traditional building qualities such as
expected to be highly visible buildings, expressing the importance of
durability, functionality, safety and economy are being supplemented
law and order in society, but they also demand security, accessibility and
with initiatives relating to energy, sustainability and indoor
transparency.
environmental quality. Court and law enforcement facilities present unique physical challenges The building of a public facility is subject to a variety of constraints
to designers. They each have sophisticated spatial programming
and conflicting demands, including political factors, financial realities,
requirements that must be met to achieve multiple zones of separate
spatial and technical limitations, historical considerations, and public
yet interacting areas of circulation for the different user groups within
opinion. Our firm has the experience and multi disciplinary approach
a given facility (i.e. guards, prisoners, public, judges and lawyers).
needed to guide clients through this maze of requirements to reach their goal.
DEGROOTE CENTER MCMASTER UNIVERSITY
CALGARY COURTS COMPLEX
GENERAL MOTORS CENTER
PUBLIC BUILDINGS
GOVERNMENT
SPORTS & RECREATION
With rising public expectations for faster, better and more
The iconic rink of the 50’s that served as a community focal point is
responsive access to government services, and greater than ever
undergoing a transformation to meet the demands of today’s users.
scrutiny of public expenditures, e government makes economic
Many old rinks are being retrofitted or replaced to accommodate new
sense. In order to make this a reality, communication technology
or additional leisure and community needs such as multiple ice pads,
needs to be infused and integrated into new and existing
fitness centers, swimming pools, multi purpose spaces for group
government buildings alike. NORR is well qualified to assist in the
activities and landscaped outdoor spaces for sports and recreation.
development of appropriate facility strategies and the design of well integrated and adaptive facilities that are responsive to the
These new multi functional entertainment venues are capable of
changes they will experience throughout their life cycle.
hosting a wide spectrum of recreation, sports, arts, cultural and heritage opportunities and as such are more practical for use by the entire community. This new destination facility restores the ‘rink’ to its place as a community focal point, and also creates a center of civic pride.
AURORA COMMUNITY CENTER
ALLSTREAM CENTER, RENFREW COUNTY COURTHOUSE
CANADIAN EMBASSY ANKARA
TRANSPORTATION
One of the major challenges facing all levels of government is
AVIATION
keeping up with the public demand to maintain, upgrade or provide
The Aviation Sector faces a variety of challenges and uncertainties to
new transportation and infrastructure within an environment of
maintain future growth. Airport operators are under pressure to
multiple priorities and limited budgets.
provide increased security, efficient passenger and cargo processing, constant upgrading of infrastructure while at the same time
With decades of work serving clients in the transportation sector, our
providing lower costs to airlines, suppliers, and the traveling public.
experience goes far beyond design and engineering. Today, the
The advent of newer aircraft, such as the Airbus A380, will demand
reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, elimination of noise pollution
enhanced/upgraded facilities designed to accommodate the new
and resolution of other environmental issues are all integral aspects
designs including, enhanced bridges and larger facilities to process
of our work.
passengers and baggage. To remain profitable airlines and the aviation industry will be constantly reinventing themselves, forming
Today’s transportation nodes are open more hours each day and
alliances and cost cutting within an ever escalating framework.
service more daily transfers of passengers and goods than ever before in transportation history. This increase in volume has placed many
With our years of consulting experience in the Aviation industry,
older, less flexible, facilities of various types in danger of slowing the
NORR understands the pressures on the industry and how they affect
movement of people and/or goods to a virtual crawl. Overcrowding
our clients and we are able to offer in depth design systems and
and increased passenger/traffic wait times in transit can result in a
strategies to help manage, sustain and upgrade aviation facilities in
variety of costly economic problems.
a controlled and secure manner.
The solution is simple build better/more efficient transportation nodes that incorporate flexibility in their design for future system expansion. The trick, and something NORR has become highly adept in accomplishing, is that you have to be able to accomplish this upgrade in the transportation system with little or no negative effect on the current traffic flow.
WESTJET HANGAR TPIA
EVANSTON TRANSPORTATION CENTER
ROTTERDAM CENTRAL
TRANSPORTATION
BORDER CROSSINGS
TRANSIT
Border crossings share a number of functional similarities to airport
Rising gas prices, traffic gridlock, the effects of smog and pollution
terminals in that both require a level of security not common to some
on public health all speak to the need for public transit, which is vital
other project types, they both deal with a varying volumes of people
to a healthy, sustainable city. Working people, students, parents,
and goods which move through the facilities and require surveillance
senior citizens and large employers are among those who understand
and flow management and both airports and border crossings
that our interconnected urban life would be unimaginable without
operate on a near 24/7 operation schedule. This makes project
public transit.
scheduling and staging critical to the success of virtually any project. NORR has developed its project planning and implementing skills to
Building public infrastructure including subway and railway stations
a high degree of accuracy. Assuring our clients the daily functionality
is often subject to a variety of constraints and conflicting demands,
they require while accomplishing the goal of improved/increased
including political factors, financial realities, spatial and technical
traffic flow on time and on budget.
limitations, historical considerations, and public opinion. NORR has the experience and multi disciplinary approach needed to assist transit clients in achieving their goals.
TORONTO PEARSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (TPIA)
SHEPPARD / YONGE SUBWAY STATION, PEACE BRIDGE BORDER CROSSING
UNION STATION
LIFESTYLE
Whether designing a world class resort or a community shopping
RESORT
center, we focus on and respond to our client’s business goals as well
NORR has a rich history in the resort and hospitality industry
as the lifestyle and aspirations of the market to be served. By
internationally having worked for some of the world’s most successful
understanding both our client and their customers, our architects,
hotel and resort developers. We bring the highest international
engineers and planners are able to come up with creative solutions
standards and blend this expertise with specific local requirements,
that meet both our client’s development criteria and the market.
to successfully deliver high performance and high quality solutions on time and on budget. Large mixed use resort and hospitality by
Destination resorts are constantly competing with each other to
nature rely on a wide range of design specialists. NORR has had great
attract patrons so owners are challenging designers to create new
success in leading diverse and geographically remote team members
and dramatic luxury resorts in culturally rich destinations to attract
to achieve a fluid roll out of project deliverables. To support this
leisure and business travellers alike. Each new resort must be prepared
approach, we have developed our own information management and
to offer state of the art technology, sophisticated business and leisure
collaboration software tools that are routinely customized to address
facilities, dining and conference facilities and specialized programs
the unique requirements of individual projects to better serve our
that cater to the business and/or vacation guests they wish to attract.
client’s needs.
Resorts must reflect the best of local cultures, with inventive food and beverage services and outstanding entertainment options.
As a fully integrated, multi office, multi disciplinary architectural, engineering and planning firm, NORR is able to supplement
Entertainment and Retail destinations must similarly create accessible
architectural design excellence with in house engineering design
facilities where people want to spend their valuable leisure time and
services to offer a complete range of Project Management, Building
money. For developers this often means ‘blurring the lines’ between
Design and Construction Implementation solutions. With projects
entertainment and retail elements such that both co exist in a single
being led and delivered from each of our offices, NORR is able to
project in essence; working to support one another by attracting
effectively deliver these skills to projects around the world.
different customers.
ATLANTIS, THE PALM
TEXAS DE BRAZIL
STARBUCKS
LIFESTYLE
ENTERTAINMENT & RETAIL As
merchandising
moves
NORR strives to develop retail spaces that are welcoming and reflect into
the
realm
of
lifestyle
and
today’s lifestyle. We recognize that the best value we can provide is
entertainment is being categorized as a commodity, we are seeing a
to undertake detailed research and analysis to select simple options
much greater emphasis on quality of design. Today’s developers are
that reduce capital and operating costs, long term maintenance, and
creating destinations that are fun and accessible, places where
environmental impact. NORR consistently produces the most
people want to spend their leisure and shopping time often this is
efficient retail design solutions in order to minimize our client per
being achieved with a dramatic mix of retail, entertainment, and
square foot costs over the leasing term and/or life cycle in the event
big box elements. The open air village format is gaining popularity
they own the facility and associated property.
as it’s convenience and pleasant shopping atmosphere emulates the traditional town market.
MOTORCITY CASINO, AVENUES SHOPPING COMPLEX
STRAND LAKESIDE RESORT
AL FATTAN MARINE TOWERS
CONTACT US
ABU DHABI
TORONTO
Arab Tower, Mezzanine Floor
175 Bloor Street East
P.O. Box 44387, Hamdan Street
North Tower, 15th Floor
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Toronto, ON, Canada M4W 3R8
TEL: +971 2 676 33 60
TEL: 416 929 0200
FAX: +971 2 676 33 61
FAX: 416 929 3635
DUBAI
CALGARY
P.O. Box 53150
221 10 Ave SE, Suite 100
Emirates Towers, 3rd Floor
Calgary, AB, Canada T2G OV9
Dubai, UAE
TEL: 403 264 4000
TEL: +971 4 330 44 00
FAX: 403 269 7215
FAX: +971 4 330 44 01 VANCOUVER NEW DELHI (JV)
1201 West Pender Street, Suite 710
Vatika Atrium, Block B, 3rd Floor, Sector 53
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6E 2V2
Gurgaon, 122002, India
TEL: 604 685 3237
TEL: +91 124 4313000
FAX: 604 685 3241
FAX: +91 124 4313001 DETROIT LONDON
719 Griswold St., Suite 1000
Tennyson House
Detroit, MI, USA 48226
159 165 Great Portland Street
TEL: 313 324 3100
London, England
FAX: 313 324 3111
W1W 5PA TEL: +44 (0)20 7580 0400
CHICAGO
FAX: +44 (0)20 7580 6680
325 North LaSalle St., Suite 700 Chicago, IL, USA 60654
OTTAWA
TEL: 312 424 2400
55 Murray Street, Suite 600
FAX: 312 424 2424
Ottawa, ON, Canada K1N 5M3 TEL: 613 241 5300
WASHINGTON DC
FAX: 613 241 4245
1001 G Street NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC USA 20001
KINGSTON
TEL: 202-627-6870
20 Gore Street, Suite 101 Kingston, ON, Canada K7L 4V6
SACRAMENTO
TEL: 613 546 3618
2200 21st Street
FAX: 613 546 7839
Sacramento, CA, USA 95818 TEL: 916 930 0210 FAX: 916 930 1937