Plot Twist at Design Week Calgary
PLOT TWIST: A Design-Build Challenge is a three-day event where designers, artists, students, and everyday citizens come together to reimagine public space through tactical urbanism. As part of Design Week Calgary 2025, this unique event places participants into randomly assigned teams to dream up and build bold, temporary interventions in a downtown park—surprising, delightful twists on how we experience urban space.
The weekend kicks off Friday with a high-energy, hackathon-style design session. Teams will meet, receive their creative brief, access materials, and immediately dive into fast-paced collaboration. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a curious community builder, everyone brings something to the table.
On Saturday, the park becomes an open-air exhibition. The public is invited to explore the site, interact with the installations, and vote for their favourite during the public exhibition.
We wrap up the weekend with a Sunday brunch afterparty, where participants and visitors gather to celebrate, share stories, and imagine what else is possible when we design together.
PLOT TWIST is about prototyping change, building community, and showing what’s possible when we turn public space into a canvas for collective creativity.
Who should join?
Designers, urbanists, students, artists, dreamers, builders—and anyone excited to co-create a more vibrant downtown.
Let’s twist the plot on how we shape our city. Together.
PLOT TWIST Participant Schedule: Friday – Design + Build (12pm – 6pm) MANDATORY Saturday – Showcase + Explore (10am – 6pm) Open House Style Sunday – Afterparty + Takedown (10:30am – 2:30pm)
The Public are invited to swing by to explore the showcase on Saturday August 9, between 10am-6pm. No registration necessary to view only!
Cover image credit: ActivateYYC website.
Accessibility Note: This event is located at BowForth park, which consists of gravel and dirt pathways, as well as grassy areas. There are limited places to sit at this location, and as such it is recommended that participants that use a mobility aid bring this with them for their own comfort. Service Animals are welcome.