1. We are WSP
  2. What we do
  3. Projects
  4. Edmonton Law Courts – galleria replacement

Engineering excellence for Alberta’s judiciary

Constructed in the 1980s, the Edmonton Law Courts Galleria Skylight faced ongoing leaks and structural aging, requiring a modern solution that preserved court operations while enhancing functionality and aesthetics.

Location

  • Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Architect

Project value

  • $11.6M

Challenges met with ingenuity

To address the aging sloped skylight, WSP designed a flat roof and vertical glazed structure, integrating slip and expansion joints to ensure lateral drift stability and structural integrity between the 7- and 9-storey buildings. This bold solution allowed the new galleria to be constructed over the existing one, which was then carefully dismantled from within providing a seamless transition that minimized disruption and preserved court operations.

img-Law Courts Galleria2

Leveraging technology for precision

Unpredictable weather conditions and limited original documentation added complexity to the project. By utilizing 3D scanning and BIM, WSP captured intricate mechanical and electrical details to create Revit modelling, developed from LOD 200–300. These tools enabled accuracy and efficiency, overcoming the challenges posed by limited historical documentation.

Collaboration that drives results

Delivering a transformation of this scale demanded a cohesive strategy blending innovation, precision, and collaboration. WSP’s multi-disciplinary team leveraged expertise in structural, mechanical, electrical, and building envelope engineering to redefine the Edmonton Law Courts Galleria.

WSP worked closely with Alberta Infrastructure, Next Architecture, and contractors to align timelines, assess risks, and ensure smooth execution. This united approach delivered a solution that exceeded expectations, maintaining full court operations throughout.

Total square meter footage
1,025
Project value
$11.6M
BIM LOD model
200–300
Every project has its challenges, but the Edmonton Law Courts stands out because of its human dimension. Ensuring the daily lives of judges, staff, and visitors were uninterrupted added a layer of responsibility that motivated us to innovate at every step.

Recognition for innovation

The revitalized Galleria received the Urban Architecture Award of Merit in 2023, recognizing the complex design challenges requiring innovative, precise solutions. Jurors praised the project’s ingenuity, stating, “The Law Courts Galleria solves a highly challenging design assignment to redevelop on a constrained site in response to adjacent buildings and open spaces of varying styles.”

img-Law Courts Galleria

Other challenges that we have overcome