Urban Exploring looks beyond abandoned ruins at the many elements that create great urban places. We discover and share these places while encouraging community engagement and physical fitness.
Wikipedia defines Urban Exploring as “the exploration of man-made structures, usually abandoned ruins or hidden components of the man-made environment.”
This definition seems limited because it excludes people and their relationship with the spaces navigated in everyday life. It is the people and communities that create urban experiences.
WHAT DOES URBAN MEAN
We use the word urban to describe everything from music, culture, design, and the environment. More than half the world lives in urban areas, yet there is no standard international definition of what urban is.
Urban Studies is defined as a broad, multifaceted discipline. It integrates the social, political, economic, environmental, and cultural processes. These processes shape urban life and space over time.
The City of Calgary maintains that:
Urban Design combines the many elements of great place-making. Land use & transportation planning, architecture, landscape design, public art, and engineering, among others. The effective coordination of these specialties results in the creation of distinctive and cherished places.
This lack of formal definition opens the term to interpretation by communities that give it meaning through their shared experiences.
EXPLORING ABANDONED SITES
These sites offer an intriguing glimpse into the past and inspire the imagination, making them prime subjects for urban exploration. Abandoned buildings often feature ornate architectural designs that create a unique aesthetic and atmosphere.
Remember, exploring abandoned sites as an activity can be unlawful and dangerous. Consider applying that curiosity to explore areas rehabilitated, which incorporate character landmarks into the cityscape. This allows us to appreciate our shared heritage and the environment. Engage with the community and an active lifestyle.
If you are not convinced, there is a space in Calgary for you. It is a monument to the demolished that you may be looking for.
RUNDLE RUINS
The sandstone ruins on the Stampede Campus at 12 Ave and 6 St SE are the remains of the first major hospital. It was built in 1899 and designed in a neo-Romanesque style. It is considered the second general hospital after a two-story house. It expanded in 1905, with a larger facility constructed in 1908 in the community of Bridgeland.
The building operated as a hospital until it became a residence for seniors in the 1950s. It was demolished in 1973 after a contentious debate on its historical merits.
Its story did not end there. The ruins were not abandoned; they were relocated and integrated into Victoria Park by the Alberta Housing Corporation. Dedicated on June 11, 1974. It has become a popular spot for photography. Today, it serves as a reminder of the importance of heritage preservation. Credit: The Calgary Stampede, which proudly stewards and preserves the ruins for public use.
Explore more of the city’s Sandstone Legacy and vote for your favourite building. Click here
Future Culture + Entertainment District
The SAM Centre, was recently completed behind the ruins. It will connect Calgarians and visitors to the rich heritage of Alberta and tell the story of the Stampede.
One of the many projects in the area, embarking on a rebirth with ambitions to execute a 20-year master plan. A vision to transform Victoria Park into Calgary’s Culture + Entertainment District. Unveiled by CMLC and Calgary Stampede in 2018 as a space connected to its past to bring people together.
The City is also preparing the site at 14th Avenue and 5th Street S.E. for the future Scotia Place. You can follow the progress on their website.
Learn more about the iconic Saddledome and the evolution of Stampede Park. It will soon be replaced by a new venue. Check out the Scotia Place Experience. Alberta’s newest premier sports and entertainment venue is set to open in Fall 2027. It will play a defining role in transforming Calgary’s downtown, the emerging Culture & Entertainment District and the nearby spaces.
NEXT STEPS – WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Rundle Ruins are one area of interest on a 9 km journey. It can be completed as a run, walk or wheel that explores the significant spaces along the Elbow River. Celebrate the city’s connection to the land, heritage and culture. This is expressed in these destinations, buildings and public art. Explore Mohkinstsis – Where Calgary Comes Together.
From here, you can also explore the RiverWalk to Centre Street Bridge and Inglewood – Urban Sanctuary. Click on locations on the map to learn about other great places to explore in Calgary.
The Urban Explorer 