Douglas J. Bergen & Associates Office

Built in 1995, our firm’s office effectively describes DJB’s approach to regional design. Situated on the Albertan prairies, a flattened, horizontal architecture seemed to suit and reflect its natural environment. The low roof datum and continuous ribbon windows produce the horizontal effect, in which to draw the eye back towards the landscape. These are the conditions in which the infinite field of the prairie becomes felt. Interlocking building masses extend themselves across this landscape. Each mass is given a conceptual transparency, in which it is able to pass and extend through other architectural blocks. This interlocking effect creates a natural flow of spaces, starting first at the open car-port, then moving between the entry hall, and finally into the workspaces. Along this promenade, each mass is given different spatial priority and unique spatial treatment.