City Hall Wall of Windows - FAQs
The City Hall LRT Station's South Platform features a unique display known as the Wall of Windows that celebrates the vibrancy of our city. Below are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about the project. Have a question that's not answered? Please contact us.
Q: What is the Wall of Windows?
A: The City Hall ‘Wall of Windows’ is seven colourful, engaging display boxes located on the exterior of the Administration Building along the south platform of the newly constructed City Hall LRT station. The total installation spans 140 feet (~42 metres), and each box is 20’ wide by 8’ high and 4’ deep.
Q: Why was the Wall of Windows created?
A: City communicators are constantly looking for new opportunities to communicate with Calgarians about programs and services. Through the refurbishment of the City Hall C-Train station, an opportunity was identified to re-design the face of the Administration Building into an innovative, unique communication space to inform and engage the public.
Q: Who’s responsible for the Wall of Windows?
A: The Wall of Windows display boxes are a City-led initiative with the goal of enhancing communication for Calgarians and visitors to the city.
Q: How often will the displays change?
A: The Wall of Windows will reflect an overarching theme that will remain for one year. The content of each display box will reflect this theme in varied and unique ways and will be refreshed every quarter.
Q: Is The City getting into advertising?
A: No, the Wall of Windows is a communication channel to inform Calgarians and visitors of events, activities, culture or programs found in the city. Offering sections of the space for traditional advertising was considered as a way to offset costs; however using the space in this way would be in violation of the Development Permit for that site and the existing advertising contract that Calgary Transit has with an external vendor (Pattison).
Q: How can I contribute ideas / art to the Wall of Windows?
A: There is no formal process as of yet. The City will be reaching out to groups for their involvement. However, if you have an idea that you’d like to see in the Wall of Windows please send it to marketing@calgary.ca. If you're interested in becoming one of our featured photographers, please submit your images of Calgary to the YYCPhoto Flickr Group.
Q: What’s the cost of the Wall of Windows?
A: The budget to re-furbish the City Hall LRT station platforms, included renovations to the north entrance to City Hall and allowed for the addition of the Wall of Window display cases. The display cases are a small portion of this total budget. Re-furbishing the City Hall platforms is part of a larger current project, which includes adapting all of the 7 Avenue LRT platforms to accommodate future four-car trains and improve the streetscape. This project is financed under Calgary Transit’s capital budget.
The cost of design (City creative services staff), printing and installing (external vendor) the signage material for each box is approximately $3,200. By comparison, each display costs less than a mid-sized, one-day advertisement in a daily newspaper, and far less than a similarly sized billboard.
Q: Are there plans for other Wall of Windows installations around the city?
A: Not at this time. Part of the motivation for developing the Wall of Windows as a communications channel was that it coincided with the re-furbishing of the City Hall LRT platforms. However, should another opportunity present itself that offers similar efficiencies and communications effectiveness, it will be considered.