Commercial Solutions

Project Background

Journey to Freedom Park commemorates the Vietnamese boat people who fled their homeland after the Vietnam War, embarking on perilous journeys across the South China Sea in search of safety and freedom. This park, situated along Calgary’s International Avenue, serves as a place of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for the 1.5 million refugees who faced incredible hardships during their escape. It also honours the contributions of the Vietnamese community in Canada, including Calgary, which has the fourth-largest Vietnamese population in the country.

The 1,100 m² park, located on an escarpment slope, offers breathtaking views of the Bow River Valley, downtown Calgary, and the Rocky Mountains. The space incorporates design elements that convey the themes of journey, remembrance, and celebration while providing an emotional and sensory experience for visitors. The park features a heritage gateway, knowledge walls, formal and informal seating areas, and a monument reflecting Vietnamese and Canadian values.

The park is a significant addition to International Avenue, Calgary’s vibrant cultural corridor, and is adjacent to award-winning urban infrastructure that promotes multimodal transit and connectivity.

Design Inspiration and Use of Barkman Product

Journey to Freedom Park was designed to create a welcoming space that blends elements of Vietnamese culture and Canadian heritage with the natural beauty of Calgary. To achieve this, the Vietnamese Boat People Monument Committee collaborated with a local design firm to incorporate visually striking and durable materials that complement the park’s reflective atmosphere and cultural significance.

Arborwood Slabs from Barkman Concrete were selected for key hardscaping features, including pathways and seating areas, due to their ability to emulate the natural texture of wood while offering the longevity and resilience of concrete. These slabs contribute to the park’s design by:

• Reflecting the Journey: The woodgrain texture of Arborwood Slabs symbolizes the wooden boats used by refugees, connecting the space to the journey’s historical narrative.
• Creating a Warm, Natural Aesthetic: The warm tones and realistic woodgrain pattern seamlessly integrate with the park’s natural surroundings, including the escarpment slope and native plantings.
• Enhancing Accessibility and Functionality: Arborwood Slabs provide a stable, slip-resistant surface for pathways and gathering spaces, ensuring safe and comfortable access for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges.

The Arborwood Slabs were also used to frame informal seating areas and guide visitors through the park’s reflection and celebration zones. Their versatility allowed the design team to create functional, visually cohesive spaces that invite contemplation and community engagement. Journey to Freedom Park achieves a harmonious balance between its emotional narrative, cultural significance, and practical design. The result is a powerful space that honours the resilience of the Vietnamese boat people while fostering inclusivity and connection within the Calgary community.

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