The corporate headquarters for the energy infrastructure firm South Bow in Calgary, Alberta, was designed by Kasian Architecture, Interior Design and Planning. The project was recently recognized with two separate awards in the field of commercial interior design — the 'Best of Region: Canada' at the 2025 Shaw Contract Design Awards and the 'Project of the Year' at the 2025 CREW Calgary Awards.
The South Bow project involved the fit-out of four floors within an existing office tower. Kasian's design approach aimed to establish a visual and cultural identity for the newly independent company by incorporating elements such as curved glass partitions, natural wood, and concrete flooring to create an atmosphere that blends residential comfort with professional functionality. The layout organizes workspaces into distinct zones to support various tasks, with a central communal area intended to encourage interaction among employees. Dedicated rooms for wellness and prayer were also included to promote an inclusive environment.
Image Credit: Eymeric Widling
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Biophilic Office Design
- Incorporating elements like natural wood and glass partitions reflects a growing trend of biophilic design, which emphasizes creating a connection to nature within workplace environments.
- Multifunctional Workspaces
- The organization of workspaces into distinct zones and central communal areas highlights the trend towards multifunctional office designs that support varied work styles and collaboration.
- Wellness-centric Office Features
- The inclusion of wellness and prayer rooms indicates a rising focus on employee well-being and the need for dedicated spaces that cater to holistic health in corporate settings.
Where This Applies
- Commercial Interior Design
- The recognition of Kasian's work underscores the potential for innovative designs to redefine commercial interiors by integrating luxurious elements that promote both function and comfort.
- Energy Infrastructure
- South Bow's investment in a luxurious and culturally distinct headquarters reflects an industry shift towards creating corporate identities that convey both brand values and modern aesthetics.
- Architecture and Planning
- The project exemplifies how firms in architecture and planning are increasingly tasked with designing spaces that not only serve practical functions but also visually articulate a company's ethos.
