Aerial Adventure Park
A fully parametric design-build proposal for an aerial adventure park in northern Alberta
Location Kinosoo Ridge Snow Resort, Cold Lake, AB Size 18,000 sq. ft Status Proposed July 2020
Status Proposed July 2020
Site-driven thrill-seeking in Alberta’s north
Studio North's Kinosoo Aerial Adventure Park proposal is an experiment in producing a customized design and construction system that is fully integrated within a digital parametric model. Using a parametric methodology allowed the team to rapidly iterate the design of multiple structures simultaneously while facilitating quick engineering by incorporating a live database of material sizing, angles, and quantities. Most of all, the parametric methodology allowed us to craft a design that made maximum use of the specific geographic, sociocultural, and historic contexts of Kinosoo Ridge and Cold Lake.
The geometric forms of these structures hybridize two iconic geometries of the Cold Lake region: the industrial oil drilling structure as a symbol for Cold Lake’s industrial history and focus, and the trestle bridge as a symbol for Cold Lake’s drive towards a recreational and human-centric hub in Northern Alberta. Cold Lake’s themes of energy production, agriculture, and military air training are also interwoven through the obstacle design.
Lower obstacle routes are sheltered by the trees while the higher routes begin at the treeline to maximize views over the resort and lake below.
Guests who brave the hardest features at the top level, culminating in the massive tightrope walk and the ladder climb up the zipline tower, are rewarded with a zipline ride from the highest point on site with the most panoramic views.
Obstacles on the way down the zipline build excitement and a sensation of speed as guests fly through them. The guest experience and replayability is further enhanced with the ability to traverse the course during nighttime events, where obstacles are lit up by glowing paint and the towers become illuminated checkpoints in the dark.
