
SMP Engineering provided electrical and specialty lighting design for Studio Bell, Calgary's National Music Centre, featuring concert halls, recording studios, and interactive exhibits celebrating Canadian music.
Completed in 2016, the $191 million Studio Bell, home to the National Music Centre, stands as a testament to SMP's commitment to innovative electrical and specialty lighting design. This 160,000-ft2 facility comprises nine interlocking five-storey towers, housing a 300-seat performance theatre, museum galleries, a restored music club, studios, rehearsal spaces, an education centre, a café, and upper-level office spaces.
The building's unique architectural contours presented challenges for lighting placement, which we addressed by strategically bouncing light from discrete locations, allowing it to travel effectively across both vertical and horizontal planes. Supplemental luminaires were seamlessly integrated into the architecture, enhancing functionality while preserving aesthetic integrity. Advanced lighting controls, integrated into the building automation system, utilize daylighting, occupancy/vacancy sensors, and local override controls across various spaces, contributing to energy efficiency and exceeding ASHRAE targets by over 25%.
Achieving LEED® Gold certification, Studio Bell exemplifies the successful integration of sustainable design, technical innovation, and architectural excellence, creating a landmark space for creativity and culture.






