Meta has broken ground on a $10 billion data center campus in Lebanon, Indiana, launching one of the largest private construction projects in the state’s history. The sheer scale of the development is hard to put into perspective: a massive 1-gigawatt facility built to power the company’s rapidly growing artificial intelligence and online platforms. When finished, this will be one of the country’s largest data centre developments, giving Boone County’s industrial scene a whole new look. For Indiana, this is a giant leap towards building a strong foundation of high-demand digital infrastructure, backed by long-term investment.

The site, located in Boone County’s LEAP district, will be developed in phases and is expected to include multiple large data halls along with supporting buildings and electrical infrastructure. Once complete, the campus will reach a capacity of up to 1,000 megawatts.

That level of power draw reshapes how utilities plan. Substations, transmission upgrades, and backup generation all become part of the build. Data centers at this scale are designed to support dense server environments that operate around the clock. AI workloads demand stable uptime and high-performance cooling systems. This campus is being constructed specifically to meet that demand.

What the construction scope means on the ground

This isn’t a short-term project. The campus will unfold over several years, creating sustained work for contractors and trades across central Indiana.

Large data center campuses require deep foundations, heavy steel erection, and extensive mechanical and electrical installation. High-voltage systems, backup power equipment, and complex cooling assemblies form the backbone of the build. Commissioning happens in stages as each phase comes online.

Local officials expect thousands of construction jobs tied to the project. Electricians, operators, ironworkers, and HVAC crews are likely to see steady demand as each building phase ramps up. Once operational, the campus will support permanent technical and facility roles, adding long-term employment to the region.

For contractors, projects like this tend to create a steady pipeline of work that can last for years, rather than a string of one-off contracts. This kind of project also intensifies competition for skilled workers, especially in areas that don’t normally see hyperscale developments spring up.

Energy, infrastructure, and long-term impact of Indiana Data Center

A 1-gigawatt data center requires significant coordination with regional utilities. Meta has stated it plans to support renewable energy development aligned with the facility’s electricity consumption. Large operators often contract new wind or solar generation within the same grid to offset usage.

Cooling design and water use are also central considerations. Modern hyperscale facilities focus on reducing resource intensity while maintaining high computing output. Mechanical system design decisions are locked in early, ensuring sustainability targets are part of the construction scope from the start.

The Lebanon campus also reflects a broader shift in where large data centers are being built. Northern Virginia has long dominated hyperscale development, but Midwest states are gaining ground due to land availability, utility partnerships, and logistics access. Indiana’s LEAP district was designed to attract projects exactly like this one.

A $10 billion investment anchors economic growth for decades. Data centers rarely relocate once built. They become fixed infrastructure, shaping local tax bases and workforce pipelines.

For the construction industry, this groundbreaking signals continued expansion in digital infrastructure tied to AI growth. These facilities require real jobsites, real trades, and long construction timelines.

If you want more coverage on major construction projects reshaping the U.S. economy, subscribe to the Under the Hard Hat newsletter—we track the builds that are driving the next wave of construction demand.

Hariri Pontarini designs the kind of buildings you pass once—then turn around to admire. Their work is defined by confident scale, refined material choices, and a strong connection to the street. Here’s a look at 10 standout Hariri Pontarini projects that highlight the breadth of their portfolio, from high-density urban towers to bold, light-filled spaces that push architectural boundaries.

Hariri Pontarini

Hariri Pontarini Architects (HPA) is a Toronto-based architecture and urban design practice founded in 1994 by Siamak Hariri and David Pontarini. If you’ve spent time in Toronto, you’ve likely encountered their work. Their portfolio spans high-rise residential and mixed-use towers, cultural institutions, and large-scale master plans.

What sets the firm apart is its focus on the “in-between” spaces—the parts of a building people experience every day: lobbies, street edges, public walkways, and the precise way a façade meets the sidewalk. HPA consistently treats the public realm as integral to the architecture. Their towers often feature active, thoughtfully designed bases with meaningful retail, pedestrian connections, and landscape elements that strengthen the surrounding streetscape. The result is work that aims not just to shape skylines, but to contribute to the fabric of the city itself.

10 past, present, and future projects from Hariri Pontarini

1. Artists’ Alley

Location: Toronto, ON
Year built: 2025
Typology: Mixed-use residential and commercial towers

Artists’ Alley is the kind of downtown development that could have been purely transactional—three towers, a podium, and a sidewalk that people rush past. Instead, the whole thing was turned around by a single decision: designing the space so you can walk through it, rather than being funneled around it. That simple change turns the whole project on its head, making it feel integrated in the community rather than just a private estate. A little park tucked away off St. Patrick Street and some green space give this place some much-needed breathing room and inject a bit of humanity into the design. The ground-floor retail does its job here, keeping things lively at street level and avoiding the usual ‘dead zone’ effect, which turns so many of Toronto’s street-level developments into desolate wastelands. 

2. 12 Ossington Avenue

Location: Toronto, ON
Year built: 2022
Typology: Commercial architecture

12 Ossington is a building that understands its street. Ossington has an eclectic, layered feel—old brick, patched storefronts, patios, and a constant flow of people—and a new commercial building here could easily feel too slick. HPA’s approach is restrained and confident, with a façade that’s layered and textural rather than a single sheet of glass. The proportions are tuned to the street, so it feels like part of the neighborhood rather than an outsider trying to “upgrade” it. The entry and ground floor are handled with care, which matters in a corridor where the sidewalk is the main public space. This project proves something Toronto forgets sometimes: you don’t need a tower to make a strong architectural statement.

3. OpenROM – Royal Ontario Museum transformation

Location: Toronto, ON
Year built: In progress
Typology: Museum entry and interior transformation

OpenROM is the kind of project that appears straightforward in a rendering but proves complex in reality. The Royal Ontario Museum is a layered institution, shaped by multiple architectural eras, and its ground-level experience has long felt fragmented and difficult to navigate. This transformation addresses that head-on, reimagining the main floor and Bloor Street entrance to create a clearer, more welcoming arrival sequence.

At the heart of the redesign is Hennick Commons—a luminous central gathering space that introduces much-needed daylight and provides immediate visual orientation. A new bronze canopy and expanded glazing further open the museum to the street, helping it feel connected to the city rather than sealed off from it.

4. College Park redevelopment

Location: Toronto, ON
Year built: In progress
Typology: Urban redevelopment, mixed use

College Park occupies one of Toronto’s busiest intersections, yet for years its street presence has felt strangely dormant. The College Park redevelopment aims to change that by carefully restoring heritage elements while introducing significant new density—residential towers, office space, retail, and new public connections threaded through the site.

What matters most here isn’t the height, but the ground plane. The plan focuses on permeability and flow: reopening the historic arcade, introducing a public atrium, and strengthening links to transit to transform the block from a barrier into a connector. If executed well, it could become a benchmark for how Toronto handles high-density, heritage-sensitive redevelopment—proof that growth and public life can move in step.

5. Bahá’í Temple of South America

Location: Santiago, Chile
Year built: 2016
Typology: Religious/cultural architecture

The Bahá’í Temple of South America is the project people point to when they want to talk about Hariri Pontarini as architects of atmosphere, not just city builders. The design is almost entirely about light: petal-like surfaces shaped in cast glass and stone that shift constantly with the time of day. Inside, the light is soft and diffused, and the space feels quiet without feeling cold or sterile. 

The temple sits against the Andes, but the architecture doesn’t compete with the landscape—it stays calm and focused. At sunrise and dusk, the building takes on a glow that makes it look lit from within, exactly what the design aims to achieve. It’s one of the firm’s most internationally recognized works, and it’s easy to see why.

6. McMichael Canadian Art Collection redevelopment

Location: Kleinburg, ON
Year built: In progress
Typology: Museum expansion and redevelopment

The McMichael redevelopment is a project where the site is as important as the building. The museum is nestled in the Humber River Valley, and its character has grown up alongside that landscape, with timber and stone reflected in its design. HPA’s expansion introduces much-needed space for exhibitions, education, conservation labs, and public programming—but the real challenge lies in seamlessly integrating these additions into the existing campus. 

This project is ultimately about transitions: from inside to out, old to new, gallery to back-of-house. If they get it right, this redevelopment could turn the McMichael from a quiet “hidden gem” into a fully realized cultural campus—one that embraces its setting while expanding its reach.

7. Tom Patterson Theatre

Location: Stratford, ON
Year built: 2022
Typology: Performing arts theatre

The Tom Patterson Theatre sits along the Avon River, and the redesign embraces that setting, treating the building as part of the riverfront rather than a standalone object. The exterior uses a bronze-toned screen and generous glass that shift the character based on weather and light. The entry sequence is intuitive and welcoming, and the public spaces are designed to feel intentional—places to linger, not simply corridors for intermission traffic.

Inside, the beloved intimacy remains. The horseshoe layout and thrust stage fully immerse the audience in the action, preserving the Stratford experience. Behind the scenes, upgraded technical and backstage systems ensure the theatre functions as beautifully as it looks. It’s a renewal that feels new without losing the spirit that made the original venue special.

8. St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts

Location: Toronto, ON
Year built: In progress
Typology: Cultural/performance centre renewal

Renovating a performance venue is not just about cosmetics—it’s about making the building truly functional. The St. Lawrence Centre is a cornerstone of Toronto’s cultural landscape, but, like many older theatres, it struggles with circulation and accessibility, especially during sold-out performances. 

HPA focuses on breathing new life into the theatre, from the inside out: improving traffic flow and reshaping public areas so they feel intuitive and welcoming. Projects like this are essential. Cultural infrastructure can’t just coast on charm and nostalgia alone—if you want a venue to thrive in a city for decades, it needs ongoing investment to ensure it works as well as it inspires.

9. Art Gallery of Ontario – South Entrance and Grange Park Pavilions

Location: Toronto, ON
Year built: Completed
Typology: Cultural/public realm improvements

This project shows how thoughtful and deliberate renovations can dramatically shape public experience. For decades, the AGO, one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks, has sat beside Grange Park with surprisingly little connection to it—present, but not fully engaged with its surroundings. The new South Entrance and park pavilions change that dynamic, making the south side of the museum a true front door and drawing the museum into the rhythm of the city.

Another impressive feature is how the design caters to a wide range of users—gallery visitors, families, students, and even commuters passing through the neighborhood. The AGO becomes not just another institution—it strengthens the public realm around it.

10. Canada Square Master Plan

Location: Toronto, ON
Year built: In progress
Typology: Mixed-use master plan and urban redevelopment

Canada Square earns its place on this list because of its location: Yonge and Eglinton, one of Toronto’s busiest and fastest-growing intersections. The goal behind the master plan is clear: take a site that’s been largely dominated by office buildings and a mall, and turn it into a real, mixed-use district where people can live, shop, and move around in a way that feels genuine and complete. New residential high-rises, a refurbished public space, and better access to public transit are central to the vision. 

The real challenge here is scale. As a ‘superblock’, the area has often felt isolated—more like a private bubble than part of the city’s fabric. The plan is to break that down and create some permeable and personal—places that areuseful and inviting.

Final thoughts

Hariri Pontarini projects are a great example of how architecture is about more than just putting up “pretty buildings”. It’s about getting the basics right: how a place works at street level, how it ages over time, and whether people feel welcomed. Across their 10 projects, there is a clear focus on public spaces—how buildings sit at the sidewalk and how pedestrians move through a site. Even in their dense skyscraper work, the base is treated as an integral part of the building rather than an afterthought. In landmark projects like the Bahá’í Temple or OpenROM, that same attention to detail extends to light, materials, and that all-important “wow” feeling that greets visitors inside.

If you want more project spotlights like this—plus construction, architecture, and design stories worth reading—subscribe to the Under the Hard Hat newsletter.

Diamond Schmitt is one of the most respected architecture firms in the world, and their work is helping to shape the future of our cities. This article takes a close look at some Diamond Schmitt projects in their impressive portfolio, from famous concert halls to modern research labs, to show how they blend beautiful design with environmental care. Discover the stories behind some of their most iconic buildings and see what makes their approach to construction so unique.

About Diamond Schmitt

Founded in 1975, Diamond Schmitt is a global architectural firm headquartered in Toronto. Over the last few decades, they have grown into an industry powerhouse, known for working closely with clients. They are well known for their collaborative approach and deep expertise in high-performance, environmentally responsible design.

The firm works across a diverse range of building types—from healthcare facilities and academic campuses to residential towers—but is best known for its world-class performing arts centres celebrated for both striking design and exceptional acoustics. Its projects regularly earn major awards for seamlessly blending contemporary architecture with high-performance, sustainable design.

10 past, present, and future projects from Diamond Schmitt

Diamond Schmitt has designed hundreds of buildings that change how we experience art, education, and cities. Here are some of their most exciting projects from around the world.

1. David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center

• Location: New York City, New York
• Year built: 2022
• Typology: Performing Arts Center

This project was a massive reimagining of the home of the New York Philharmonic. Diamond Schmitt focused on fixing the acoustics and making the space feel more personal. They moved the stage forward by 25 feet and reduced the seating capacity so that every guest is closer to the music. The new design uses warm wood and soft curves to turn a plain room into a world-class concert hall.

2. National Arts Centre (NAC) Rejuvenation

• Location: Ottawa, Ontario
• Year built: 2017
• Typology: Cultural / Public Space

The original National Arts Centre, designed in a stark brutalist style, was dominated by concrete and limited natural light. Diamond Schmitt transformed it by adding a sweeping, transparent glass wing that wraps around the building. This “living room for the city” connects the center to Ottawa’s streets and frames stunning views of Parliament Hill, turning the once-dark fortress into a vibrant, inviting beacon for the arts.

3. New Senate of Canada Building

• Location: Ottawa, Ontario
• Year built: 2019
• Typology: Government / Heritage

This project involved restoring Ottawa’s historic central train station to serve as a temporary home for the Senate. The team used modern technology, like 3D scanning, to create intricate wood and bronze details that look like they belong in the original 1912 building. It is a perfect example of how old landmarks can be updated for modern use while maintaining their historic charm.

4. Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences

• Location: Lubbock, Texas
• Year built: 2021
• Typology: Multi-use / Arts

Honoring the legacy of Buddy Holly, this hall stands as a premier cultural destination in West Texas. At the heart of the buildings is a striking 56-foot spiral staircase, complemented by a main theater engineered for exceptional acoustics. The building is environmentally conscious, achieving LEED Silver certification, and features innovative concrete fins that shield the interior from the blazing Texas sun while flooding the space with natural light.

5. The Globe and Mail Centre

• Location: Toronto, Ontario
• Year built: 2016
• Typology: Office / Mixed-use

This 17-story tower serves as the headquarters for one of Canada’s biggest newspapers. The design uses 10 vertically stacked blocks to create varying heights and unique terraces for workers. It features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide incredible views of the Toronto waterfront. The building is also LEED Gold certified, proving that big office towers can be both beautiful and sustainable.

6. Emily Carr University of Art + Design

• Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
• Year built: 2017
• Typology: Academic / Higher Education

This campus was designed as a true “blank canvas” for students, with open, light-filled spaces that encourage collaboration across artistic disciplines. Its exterior showcases vibrant metal panels reminiscent of a painter’s palette, creating a bright, energetic, and inspiring environment that embodies the university’s creative spirit.

7. Lazaridis Hall, Wilfrid Laurier University

• Location: Waterloo, Ontario
• Year built: 2017
• Typology: Academic / Business School

This building stands as a landmark for business and economics students, anchored by a soaring atrium lined with warm wood that serves as the campus’s central gathering space. Its striking “floating” lecture halls hover above the open area, creating a sense of openness and transparency. The design fosters connection, inviting collaboration between students and local tech companies.

8. Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning

• Location: Toronto, Ontario
• Year built: 2013
• Typology: Healthcare / Research

This towering facility, part of the SickKids hospital complex, ranks among the largest pediatric research centers in the world. Its “watered” floors and open lab layouts are designed to foster collaboration, encouraging scientists from diverse fields to interact and share ideas. With a striking glass exterior and luminous atriums, the building exemplifies how thoughtful architecture can inspire innovation and advance medical discovery.

9. Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health (SAMIH)

• Location: Toronto, Ontario (UTSC)
• Year built: 2026 (TBD)
• Typology: Institutional / Healthcare Education

Currently under development, this future-facing facility will serve as a hub for training healthcare professionals. The design focuses on inclusivity and community, providing students with modern simulation labs and clinical spaces. Once complete, it will play a vital role in improving medical education and services in the eastern part of the Greater Toronto Area.

10. Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery (AGO Expansion)

• Location: Toronto, Ontario
• Status: Under construction (Estimated completion 2027)
• Typology: Cultural / Museum

This marks the seventh major expansion in the Art Gallery of Ontario’s history. In collaboration with Selldorf Architects and Two Row Architect, Diamond Schmitt is adding 40,000 square feet of innovative gallery space. The design stands out for its flexible, column-free interiors and ambitious sustainability goals, aiming for net-zero carbon operation without relying on fossil fuels. It also thoughtfully incorporates Indigenous values, creating a wing that is deeply connected to both the land and the community it serves.

Further reading

Check out these other company profiles to see how major firms are transforming the spaces in which we live, work, and thrive:

• 8 construction companies named in Time’s ‘Most Sustainable’ list
• 5 prefab and modular building companies changing the construction landscape
• Canada’s leading luxury home builders redefining high-end living

Want to stay updated on the latest project spotlights and construction news? Subscribe to our newsletter today to get the best AEC insights delivered straight to your inbox.

Geothermal energy projects are once again attracting significant attention in Canada. Governments, utilities, and developers are seeking a reliable, low-carbon power source to fuel homes and businesses. Geothermal energy is worth another look because, unlike wind and solar, geothermal systems keep churning out power 24 hours a day, with no letup in sight. As electricity demand continues to grow and our grids become increasingly strained, this is a significant advantage. This article will take a closer look at geothermal energy projects underway in 2026, focusing on those that have moved beyond concept and are now in the drilling, construction, or early deployment phase. 

14 Geothermal energy projects currently under construction

Project 1 – DEEP Earth Energy Production Project

• Location: Near Torquay, Saskatchewan
• Size/specs: Initial phase ~25 MW, long-term expansion potential reported up to ~200 MW
• Expected timeline: Phased development through the mid-to-late 2020s

The DEEP Earth Energy Production project is one of the most talked-about geothermal energy projects underway in Canada, primarily because it aims to scale up and deliver power to the grid at a significantly larger scale. Located down in southeastern Saskatchewan, they’re after hot rock formations that match the kinds of drilling profiles you’d see in oil and gas country—basically, they can draw on all the expertise and gear they need to make this work. 

The project involves sinking deep vertical wells, installing reinjection systems, procuring surface power-generation equipment, and piping the electricity to the grid via transmission interconnections. Each phase is designed to allow you to test it and ensure everything is working as planned before scaling up. This all helps keep costs and technical headaches down. If DEEP can reach its upper limits, it could become one of the largest geothermal power generators north of the Mexican border.

Project 2 – Swan Hills Geothermal Power Project

• Location: Swan Hills, Alberta
• Size/specs: Approximately 21 MW
• Expected timeline: Operational, with system optimization ongoing through 2026

Swan Hills has found a strong niche in Canada’s geothermal energy sector. It is already generating power, putting it ahead of the game, and it’s all thanks to the geothermal fluids co-produced at the site, which are used alongside existing oil and gas infrastructure to make it a goer. This project demonstrates that you don’t have to start from a blank page; you can repurpose existing energy assets rather than discard them. All power generated at the site is fed directly into Alberta’s grid.

From a building standpoint, Swan Hills required less new surface infrastructure than some other projects, which helped expedite the project. The ability to reuse existing wells, pipelines, and access roads reduced capital costs and generally caused less disruption. This project demonstrates that geothermal energy can serve as a stepping stone for regions that have long relied on hydrocarbons. 

Project 3 – Alberta No. 1 Geothermal Project

• Location: Greenview Municipal District, Alberta
• Size/specs: Estimated 10 MW
• Expected timeline: Development progressing through the late 2020s

The Alberta No. 1 Geothermal Project is a prime example of the growing trend toward hybrid geothermal developments, which not only power homes and businesses but also provide direct heat to those who need it most. Its planned location in north-western Alberta puts it right in the backyard of local industries that stand to benefit from both electricity and thermal energy. This dual-endeavour approach makes a lot of sense; it improves system efficiency and strengthens the project’s financial stability.

Design plans for the project focus on digging deep into the earth and pairing those geothermal wells with top-notch surface power equipment. Additionally, any excess heat they generate can be siphoned into local industrial or district heating systems. That design choice means the project won’t be at the mercy of ever-fluctuating wholesale electricity prices down the line. This project shows that geothermal is no longer a standalone power source; it’s now part of a broader integrated infrastructure.

Project 4 – Latitude 53 Geothermal Project

• Location: Near Hinton, Alberta
• Size/specs: Exploratory drilling and subsurface assessment, 3.1 MW 
• Expected timeline: Feasibility and testing through 2026

Latitude 53 is the heavy-hitting research part of Canada’s geothermal pipeline. Rather than pressing ahead with construction, they’re focused on obtaining accurate temperature and flow data from the ground. And that’s especially important in areas without prominent geothermal features at the surface.

They’re using test wells, monitoring programs, and extensive geology modelling to get a clear view of whether this resource will be viable in the long term. Even though it’s a smaller project, Latitude 53 is playing a significant role in clarifying uncertainty around geothermal development in the west. The data they’re collecting is feeding directly into the national-level geothermal maps being developed.

For the engineers and planners, projects like Latitude 53 are fundamental. Even if they don’t generate electricity themselves, they still help shape where geothermal development makes sense and where it’s not worth the effort by identifying what works and what doesn’t.

Project 5 – Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal Project

• Location: Fort Nelson, British Columbia
• Size/specs: Community-scale renewable energy project, 7-10 MW of electrical capacity
• Expected timeline: Development and permitting progressing through the mid-2020s

Tu Deh-Kah is Canada’s flagship indigenous-led geothermal energy project, and it’s impressive. Built by the Fort Nelson First Nation, this project is designed to generate clean electricity while supporting the local economy by creating jobs and retaining more revenue in the community. And it doesn’t stop at power generation; the team behind this project is also exploring the use of geothermal energy to heat community buildings and support local farmers’ agricultural needs.

They have decades of regional data on the area’s geology, which has enabled them to pinpoint deep subsurface heat potential. Now it’s a matter of balancing the technical complexity with long-term benefits for the community, including on-the-job training and a boost to the local economy. But what really sets this apart is that ownership and governance are front and centre in project planning. Tu Deh-Kah is an excellent example of how indigenous-led projects can tick multiple boxes—clean energy and reconciliation. 

Project 6 – South Meager Geothermal Project

• Location: Near Pemberton, British Columbia
• Size/specs: High-temperature resource with grid-scale potential of 100+ MW 
• Expected timeline: Ongoing assessment and permitting

South Meager is often touted as Canada’s most promising geothermal resource just waiting to be tapped. Located in an active volcanic zone, it’s got the right conditions for large-scale electricity generation. Studies suggest it has significantly more potential than most other geothermal sites in Canada.

Building South Meager is no easy feat; it’ll require environmental permits, overcoming the challenges of remote access, and connecting to the grid. The construction process would mean deep drilling, new surface equipment, and transmission lines.

Project 7 – Borealis GeoPower Valemount geothermal project

• Location: Valemount area, British Columbia
• Size/specs: Early-stage geothermal electricity project, 15 MW after complete build-out
• Expected timeline: Exploration, permitting, and testing through 2026

Borealis GeoPower’s Valemount project is looking to find out how much geothermal electricity can be harnessed along a key route in BC—a big transportation and transmission corridor that just so happens to be near Highway 16 and already has all sorts of existing infrastructure. That makes things a lot simpler if the project ever gets the green light. So far, they’ve been doing early work, including geophysical surveys, obtaining permits, and conducting subsurface modeling to determine the temperature of the underground reservoir and whether it’s a viable energy source.

Unlike some high-profile volcanic sites, Canada’s geothermal energy is often hidden from view. Therefore, this project in Valemount is more typical of a standard geothermal scenario. Because of that, they need to be very careful about how they drill and collect data, since they can’t just dig a well anywhere and know what they’ll hit. Borealis is taking a cautious approach, proceeding in stages—testing and deciding whether to invest further before committing any more money. If they can make it work, it will serve as a model for smaller-scale geothermal power that can be easily integrated into local grids without requiring a new transmission system.

Project 8 – Shelburne County geothermal greenhouse project

• Location: Shelburne County, Nova Scotia
• Size/specs: Community-scale geothermal heating system for food production
• Expected timeline: Development and construction through 2026

The Shelburne County project is a real departure from the norm in the geothermal world—they’re not even trying to make electricity. Instead, they’re using geothermal heat to keep greenhouses warm, enabling people in rural Nova Scotia to grow food year-round rather than rely on food from farther away. It also keeps their heating costs way down because they’re not burning fossil fuels.

From a building perspective, it all works as you’d expect: geothermal wells pump up heat, which is then fed into heat-exchange equipment, and the job is done. No complex turbines or generators are required, keeping things simpler. They’ve also added solar power and batteries to support the other systems in the greenhouse. What makes Shelburne such a standout project is that geothermal energy is deployed on-site in the community, benefiting everyday residents rather than being exported to the wider grid. 

Project 9 – Pebble Creek geothermal field

• Location: Coastal British Columbia
• Size/specs: Long-term electricity potential estimated above 100 MW
• Expected timeline: Long-range development under continued study

The Pebble Creek geothermal field has long been a source of interest and, despite everything, still has significant potential in Canada. The problem is that the ground beneath it is scorching hot due to volcanic activity, which makes it an excellent site for large-scale power generation. Still, the development process has been held back by access constraints, onerous environmental regulations, and transmission challenges.

If, in the future, any of this geothermal potential were to be tapped, it would be significant. We’re talking deep drilling, large surface power plants, and extensive transmission upgrades just to get the power to market. On the flip side, once the investments are made, the geothermal system could generate high volumes of electricity for years to come.

Project 10 – CanmetENERGY geothermal program for northern and remote communities

• Location: Yukon, Northwest Territories, and remote regions
• Size/specs: Multiple geothermal heat and power feasibility studies
• Expected timeline: Research and demonstration work extending through 2026

This federal program is assessing whether geothermal power can replace diesel generators, which are currently the norm in northern and remote communities. Many of these places are struggling with high fuel costs and the risks of importing fuel during the winter months, or having it flown in when roads are impassable. Geothermal offers a locally sourced solution.

Rather than pursuing a single large-scale geothermal project, the program is backing multiple smaller studies tailored to each community’s unique geology and needs. This includes drilling assessments, thermal modelling, and the design of systems that provide either heat alone or heat and power combined—all to help communities become more energy-independent. 

Project 11 – Eavor-Loop pilot geothermal project

• Location: Alberta
• Size/specs: Closed-loop geothermal system demonstration
• Expected timeline: Ongoing testing and refinement

Eavor’s closed-loop geothermal project marks a significant departure from the way we’ve traditionally thought about geothermal energy. Instead of relying on naturally ‘friendly’ underground reservoirs, this system basically circulates a fluid through sealed underground loops. As a result, heat can be captured without having to pull formation fluids out of the ground, which reduces the uncertainty around what you’ll actually be dealing with geologically.

The Alberta pilot is all about proving that this approach will work—can it perform, can it last, and can it scale? The process of building it out looked like this: first, you drill with precision, lay the underground loops, and then install the surface heat exchange system on top of them. One of the interesting aspects of this is how the closed-loop design mitigates concerns about inducing earthquakes and water use. If all goes to plan, this could make geothermal energy much more viable across Canada.

Project 12 – Vancouver International Airport geoexchange system

• Location: Richmond, British Columbia
• Size/specs: Large-scale heating and cooling system
• Expected timeline: Ongoing expansion tied to terminal growth

Vancouver International Airport has one of the biggest geothermal ‘heat exchange’ systems in Canada, and it’s using subsurface heat to keep the terminal at a comfortable temperature. It also reduces natural gas use and helps the airport meet its emissions targets, all without sacrificing passenger comfort.

Installing the geothermal piping under the airport lands and integrating it with centralised mechanical plants is no trivial matter, especially when you have to do it without disrupting airport operations. Expansion can be a logistical nightmare, but that’s precisely what makes geoexchange such an excellent option for places like airports—they need reliable, long-term systems that’ll keep on going as the facility grows.

Project 13 – Enhanced geothermal system research projects

• Location: Multiple regions across Canada
• Size/specs: Pilot and research-stage systems
• Expected timeline: Mid-to-late 2020s

Enhanced geothermal systems aim to unlock geothermal energy in regions without natural reservoirs. Canadian research projects are testing drilling, stimulation, and monitoring techniques to create artificial heat exchangers at depth.

These efforts involve close collaboration between engineers, geologists, and regulators. While still in its early stages, EGS research could dramatically increase access to Canada’s geothermal resources. If successful, EGS could shift geothermal from niche to mainstream. The work underway now will influence whether commercial projects appear in the 2030s.

Project 14 – Terrapin Geothermics, northern Alberta geothermal studies

• Location: Northern Alberta
• Size/specs: Regional geothermal potential mapping
• Expected timeline: Study findings guiding post-2026 proposals

Terrapin Geothermics has completed extensive geothermal mapping in northern Alberta. What they’ve found—subsurface temperature gradients, likely drilling spots, and areas where development could work—is critical to getting anything built in the end. Although it’s not a construction project itself, it’s a prerequisite for anything that follows.

This work does a lot to reduce confusion for utilities, towns and developers in the early stages because it gives them a much better idea of where they might be able to find geothermal energy. In turn, this lets them make better choices about where to invest. Projects like these lay the groundwork that ends up driving the whole geothermal strategy in Canada; a lot of the pipeline of potential projects depend on this kind of work.

Is geothermal energy project construction growing in 2026?

Geothermal energy projects are taking off in Canada right now because people are desperate for reliable, low-carbon energy that runs year-round. Unlike wind or solar, geothermal power stations can keep churning out electricity and heat even when the weather is unfavorable, which is why they’re increasingly attractive to planners trying to build more balanced grids.

Federal funding in the form of grants to support clean energy and emissions reduction has been instrumental, helping move some geothermal projects from concept to drilling and early construction. Provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and BC have also made changes to their rules around geothermal to make it easier.

Industry groups are saying that now, more cash than ever is being poured into doing subsurface surveys, exploratory drilling, and pilot project work—all the basic stuff you need before you can even think about getting started on actual construction.

What to expect from geothermal energy projects in the coming years

Over the next few years, geothermal development in Canada is likely to focus on building projects that serve multiple purposes. We’re seeing more hybrid designs emerging that provide electricity and heat for industrial use, buildings, and greenhouses. Implementing hybrid designs makes sense, as it improves financial performance and better aligns geothermal development with local community needs, especially in colder regions where heating demand remains high. Developers are now seeking to better align output with local demand rather than relying on long-distance transmission.

Advances in drilling and reservoir management, borrowed mainly from the oil and gas sector, will continue to influence project design. Closed-loop systems and enhanced geothermal techniques are being tested to reduce geological risk and expand the range of viable sites. Indigenous-led projects and municipal partnerships are also expected to increase as communities seek greater control over energy supply and local development outcomes. As more operational data becomes available, permitting and financing processes may become more predictable, thereby shortening development timelines and encouraging broader adoption.

Final thoughts

Geothermal energy projects in Canada are moving from long-term discussion into visible infrastructure development. The projects underway from 2025 into 2026 range from grid-connected power plants to district heating systems and building-scale installations, demonstrating the flexibility of geothermal applications. While challenges remain around cost, drilling risk, and timelines, the steady progress across multiple provinces points to a growing role for geothermal in Canada’s energy mix. For builders, engineers, and planners, these projects offer a glimpse of how subsurface energy can support long-term decarbonization goals.

If you want to explore related topics and see how geothermal fits into the broader clean-energy picture, these articles may be helpful:

• Solar energy projects currently under construction
• Renewable energy projects
• The perks and drawbacks of geothermal buildings
• Sustainable construction: How the construction industry is going net zero

For continued coverage of energy, construction, and infrastructure projects shaping the industry, subscribe to the Under the Hard Hat newsletter.

If you want to know where the money is going for global construction projects, this guide breaks it down. Governments, developers, and global investors are pushing forward massive infrastructure builds across energy, transportation, water, and technology to meet growing demand and long-term climate and economic goals. Below is a look at some of the largest construction projects in the world, including NEOM, ITER, and California High-Speed Rail, and why they matter right now.

Quick look: Largest construction projects in the world at a glance:

Major megaprojects currently under construction

Project 1: Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

Location: Multiple countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America
Size and specs: A massive collection of infrastructure projects that includes railways, highways, ports, power plants, pipelines, and logistics hubs
Expected timeline: Launched in 2013 and continuing through the 2020s and beyond

The Belt and Road Initiative is often described as the world’s biggest construction effort because it’s not just one project. It brings together hundreds of builds spread across dozens of countries to improve how goods, energy, and people move between regions that were once difficult to reach or poorly connected.

Construction under the initiative covers many types of infrastructure. New rail lines help move freight faster between Asia and Europe. Port expansions make it easier for ships to load and unload goods along major trade routes. Roads and highways connect inland cities to coastal ports, while power plants and pipelines support growing industries. In many areas, new industrial parks and logistics centers are built near these transport links, creating jobs and supporting local economies.

What makes the Belt and Road Initiative stand out is its impact on access. Regions that once sat outside major trade routes can now connect to global markets. Shorter travel times and better transport links can lower shipping costs and attract new investment. 

At the same time, the initiative’s size has sparked debate over financing, long-term upkeep, and environmental impact. From a construction perspective, it remains one of the clearest examples of how large-scale infrastructure can reshape trade, development, and daily life worldwide.

Project 2: Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T)

Location: European Union, spanning multiple countries and cross-border corridors
Size and specs: A continent-wide system of railways, roads, ports, inland waterways, airports, and logistics hubs
Expected timeline: Ongoing construction and upgrades with major targets set for 2030 and 2040, depending on the corridor and funding

The Trans-European Transport Network has been described as the backbone of Europe’s transportation system. TEN-T links the entire continent through a connected web of rail lines, highways, ports, and waterways. The goal is to make it easier and faster to move people and goods across borders, while reducing bottlenecks that slow down trade and travel.

What makes TEN-T a true megaproject is its scale and coordination. Projects must line up across national borders, follow shared technical standards, and work within different political and funding systems. A rail tunnel in one country must connect seamlessly to tracks in another. Ports, rail hubs, and highways are planned together so freight can shift smoothly between ships, trains, and trucks. This level of coordination turns dozens of individual builds into one integrated network.

The network also reflects Europe’s push toward more sustainable transportation. High-speed rail corridors aim to reduce short-haul flights, while upgrades to inland waterways and freight rail help move goods with lower emissions. New logistics hubs and modernized ports support growing trade while easing congestion in cities. From a construction perspective, TEN-T combines long-term planning, cross-border cooperation, and multi-modal investment on a continental scale, making it one of the largest and most complex infrastructure efforts in the world today.

Project 3: NEOM

Location: Northwest Saudi Arabia, along the Red Sea
Size and specs: A planned region covering roughly 26,500 square kilometers, made up of multiple districts including THE LINE, Oxagon, Trojena, and Sindalah
Expected timeline: Phased development continuing through the 2030s and beyond

NEOM is not a single building or even a single city. It is a massive city-region project comprising several connected developments, each designed for a different purpose. Together, these districts aim to create a new model for how cities can function, combining living, working, industry, tourism, and transportation into a single coordinated plan.

THE LINE is the most talked-about part of NEOM. It’s planned as a long, narrow city with no private cars, no traditional streets, and daily needs within a short walk. Oxagon focuses on advanced manufacturing and logistics, built around a floating industrial port. Trojena is designed as a mountain destination for tourism and outdoor sports, while Sindalah adds a luxury island focused on marine tourism. Each area is built to support the others, rather than operate on its own.

What makes NEOM stand out as one of the largest construction projects in the world is its ambition. The plan centers on renewable energy, high-speed transit, and dense development that reduces sprawl. High-speed rail and autonomous transport are expected to move people quickly between districts. From a construction perspective, NEOM pushes the limits of scale, design, and coordination, blending urban planning, infrastructure, and architecture into one of the most closely watched megaprojects currently underway.

Project 4: Stargate

Location: United States, with announced sites in Texas, New Mexico, and Ohio, plus additional Midwest locations still to be confirmed
Size and specs: A multi-site rollout of hyperscale AI data centers designed to support advanced computing, with total power capacity measured in multiple gigawatts
Expected timeline: New sites announced in September 2025, with rapid construction and expansion planned over the next several years

Stargate highlights how data centers have become some of the largest construction projects underway today. What once looked like simple warehouse-style buildings are now massive industrial facilities built to support artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced research. These sites require complex foundations, reinforced structures, specialized cooling systems, and around-the-clock reliability, placing them firmly in megaproject territory.

The scale of Stargate is driven largely by power and land. AI workloads demand enormous amounts of electricity, often comparable to small cities. Each campus needs dedicated substations, upgraded transmission lines, and backup systems to keep operations running without interruption. Land use also adds to the build size, since data centers are typically spread across large campuses with room for future expansion, security buffers, and energy infrastructure.

From a construction standpoint, Stargate represents a shift in what counts as critical infrastructure. These data centers are built with the same intensity and coordination as power plants or manufacturing complexes. Tight schedules, heavy civil work, and advanced mechanical and electrical systems are all part of the equation. As demand for AI continues to grow, projects like Stargate drive some of the world’s biggest and fastest-moving construction efforts.

Project 5: Gulf Railway (GCC Railway)

Location: Gulf Cooperation Council countries, linking Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman
Size and specs: A planned regional rail network stretching roughly 2,177 kilometers, developed in phases by each member country
Expected timeline: Active construction and planning across the region, with new segments and connections expected to move forward starting in 2026

The Gulf Railway is designed to connect six countries through a shared rail system for both freight and passengers. Once complete, the network would link major ports, industrial zones, and cities across the Arabian Peninsula. For the region, this means faster trade routes, more efficient movement of goods, and a new option for long-distance travel that reduces reliance on trucks and short-haul flights.

What makes the Gulf Railway especially complex is the coordination. Funding models vary by country, timelines do not always move at the same pace, and political priorities can shift. Border crossings, customs procedures, and passenger rules must also be aligned for the system to work as intended. Even with these challenges, the project remains one of the most ambitious rail efforts in the world. If fully realized, it would reshape how people and goods move across the Gulf, making rail a key part of the region’s long-term infrastructure strategy.

From a construction perspective, the project stands out because it is not being built by a single authority or in a single location. Each country is responsible for its own sections, which must still connect smoothly at borders. Tracks, signaling systems, and safety standards need to align across countries to enable trains to move without delays. Large stretches of rail also cross desert terrain, adding challenges related to heat, sand, and long-distance logistics.

Project 6: Medog Hydropower Station

Location: Tibet Autonomous Region, China, along the Yarlung Tsangpo River system, which becomes the Brahmaputra downstream
Size and specs: A planned hydropower capacity of roughly 60 gigawatts, which would make it the largest hydroelectric project in the world
Expected timeline: Construction began in July 2025, with commissioning reported to be targeted around 2033

The Medog Hydropower Station stands out due to its sheer scale. At an estimated 60 gigawatts, the project would produce more electricity than any existing hydropower facility. The design relies on a series of tunnels and cascade-style power stations that capitalize on the river’s dramatic elevation drop as it cuts through deep mountain gorges. This approach allows engineers to generate large amounts of power while reducing the need for a single, towering dam.

Building in this region is especially challenging. The project sits in one of the most remote and rugged parts of the Tibetan Plateau, where steep terrain, seismic risk, and extreme weather are constant factors. Construction requires long tunnels drilled through hard rock at high altitude, along with roads, worker camps, and support infrastructure built almost from scratch. From an engineering perspective, the combination of output goals and geographic risk makes Medog one of the most complex hydropower projects ever attempted.

The project has also drawn international attention because of its location on a river shared by multiple countries. Downstream nations rely on the Brahmaputra for agriculture, drinking water, and energy, raising concerns about water security and long-term flow impacts. Medog represents both the technical limits of hydropower and the broader challenges that come with building mega infrastructure on shared natural systems.

Project 7: Dholera Solar Park

Location: Gujarat, India, within the Dholera Special Investment Region
Size and specs: A planned solar park with a target capacity of around 5 gigawatts, developed in multiple phases
Expected timeline: Phased commissioning through the mid to late 2020s, depending on individual project tranches

Dholera Solar Park shows how renewable energy projects have grown into full-scale construction megaprojects. Building at this size requires vast stretches of land, new access roads, substations, and high-capacity transmission lines to move power from the site to cities and industrial users. Grid integration is a major part of the work, with infrastructure designed to handle large volumes of power while maintaining reliability.

Energy storage and system planning also play a role as the park expands. Large solar facilities must balance supply with demand, especially during peak hours and seasonal shifts. That means coordinating generation with grid upgrades and, over time, adding storage solutions to smooth output. Through a construction lens, these supporting systems add complexity and scale beyond a typical renewable energy project.

The solar park is closely tied to the broader development of the Dholera Special Investment Region. The area is planned as a major industrial and manufacturing hub, and reliable, large-scale renewable power is a key part of that vision. Dholera aims to attract investment while reducing long-term emissions by pairing clean energy with industrial growth. In that sense, the solar park is both an energy project and a foundation for regional development.

Project 8: King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC)

Location: Saudi Arabia, on the Red Sea coast north of Jeddah
Size and specs: A large-scale planned economic city that combines port facilities, logistics zones, industrial areas, residential neighborhoods, and business districts
Expected timeline: Multi-decade phased buildout continuing through the coming decades

King Abdullah Economic City is designed as a complete industrial city rather than a single development. At its core is King Abdullah Port, one of the largest and fastest-growing ports in the Red Sea region. Around it, planners have laid out logistics hubs, manufacturing zones, office districts, and residential communities meant to support both workers and long-term economic growth.

The city follows a mixed-use model where industry, housing, and services are built side by side. Residential neighborhoods are planned near employment centers, while schools, healthcare, and retail are integrated into the broader layout. This approach reduces travel distances and supports a live-work environment that can scale as the city grows. From a construction standpoint, this means constant coordination between infrastructure, buildings, utilities, and transportation systems.

KAEC qualifies as a megaproject due to its scale and ambition. Entire districts are planned, built, and expanded over time, rather than delivered all at once. Roads, power networks, water systems, and communications infrastructure must be sized for future growth, not only current demand. As part of Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification efforts, King Abdullah Economic City demonstrates how large-scale city building can support trade, industry, and population growth within a single, long-term construction program.

Project 9: Kashagan field development

Location: Offshore Kazakhstan in the Caspian Sea, near the city of Atyrau
Size and specs: One of the world’s largest oil field developments, built in shallow offshore waters using artificial islands, pipelines, and onshore processing facilities
Expected timeline: A long-life field with ongoing development, upgrades, and expansion phases

The Kashagan field is considered one of the most technically challenging oil projects ever built. The reservoir contains high levels of sour gas, including hydrogen sulfide, which is extremely toxic and corrosive. Handling this safely requires specialized materials, complex processing systems, and strict safety controls across the entire site. These conditions add layers of engineering complexity that go well beyond those of a typical offshore oil project.

Construction at Kashagan also had to adapt to the unique environment of the Caspian Sea. Instead of traditional offshore platforms, much of the field was developed using artificial islands designed to withstand shallow water, ice formation, and extreme temperature swings. Pipelines carry oil and gas from the offshore facilities to onshore processing plants, where additional infrastructure is needed to manage pressure, corrosion, and gas separation. Each piece of the system must work together with little room for error.

Kashagan remains a megaproject because of its cost and complexity. Billions of dollars have been invested over decades to bring the field online and keep it operating safely. Ongoing upgrades and technical adjustments continue as operators respond to harsh conditions and evolving production needs. Kashagan is an example of an AEC project that shows some of the world’s largest projects are not just big in size but also in the level of expertise and coordination required to make them work.

Project 10: California High-Speed Rail

Location: California, United States
Size and specs: A 171-mile Initial Operating Segment under construction in the Central Valley, connecting Merced and Bakersfield
Expected timeline: Initial service is forecast for the early 2030s, with the full statewide system dependent on future funding and approvals

California High-Speed Rail remains one of the most visible rail megaprojects in the world because of the amount of heavy civil construction involved. The current phase focuses on building the system’s backbone through the Central Valley. That includes dozens of large viaducts, overpasses, and underpasses designed to separate trains from road traffic. Entire stretches of right-of-way have been acquired and cleared, creating a dedicated corridor built to handle trains traveling at very high speeds.

Station planning and utility relocation add another layer of complexity. New stations must fit within existing cities while meeting strict safety and performance standards. At the same time, crews are moving or protecting water lines, power infrastructure, and other buried utilities along the route. Each section must be built with long-term expansion in mind, even though only part of the system is delivered in this phase.

Despite years of debate and shifting timelines, the project continues to draw global attention. Its scale, cost, and ambition place it among the world’s largest rail builds, especially in a region where high-speed rail doesn’t exist yet. 

For the construction industry, California High-Speed Rail is a case study in modern rail development, combining massive earthworks, complex structures, and long-term planning into a single transportation investment project in North America.

Project 11: South-North Water Transfer Project

Location: China, spanning three major route systems known as the Eastern, Central, and Western routes
Size and specs: Designed to move roughly 44.8 billion cubic meters of water each year using a vast network of canals, tunnels, pumping stations, and reservoirs
Expected timeline: A multi-decade effort with some routes already operating and others still under construction or long-term planning

The South-North Water Transfer Project is often described as water mega-infrastructure, and for good reason. It is not a single canal or dam, but a nationwide system built to move water from China’s wetter southern regions to its drier northern cities and industrial centers. The project includes hundreds of miles of open canals, deep tunnels, massive pumping stations, and carefully managed reservoirs, all working together to rebalance water supply on a national scale.

From a construction standpoint, the scope is unmatched. Crews have had to cut channels through farmland, tunnel beneath rivers and cities, and build pumping systems capable of lifting water across long distances. Each route presents different challenges. The Eastern Route relies heavily on existing waterways that require major upgrades, while the Central Route includes long canals and tunnels that cross varied terrain. The Western Route, still largely in the planning stages, would face some of the country’s most difficult terrain.

The project’s scale also brings significant social and environmental impacts. Communities have been relocated to make room for canals and reservoirs, and ecosystems along the routes have been altered. Supporters point to improved water security for major cities and industries, while critics raise concerns about long-term environmental balance and regional equity. Regardless of perspective, the South-North Water Transfer Project stands as one of the largest and most ambitious water infrastructure projects ever built, especially given that the resource being moved is water itself.

Project 12: Chūō Shinkansen (Maglev)

Location: Japan, along the Tokyo to Nagoya to Osaka corridor, delivered in phases
Size and specs: A next-generation SCMaglev high-speed rail line with extensive tunneling and new underground stations in major urban areas
Expected timeline: Construction is underway, though the schedule has shifted from original targets due to technical, environmental, and political challenges

The Chūō Shinkansen is considered a megaproject because of where and how it is being built. Much of the line runs underground, including long tunnel sections beneath mountains and dense metropolitan areas. Trains are designed to travel at extreme speeds using magnetic levitation, which requires highly precise guideways, power systems, and safety controls. Building this level of infrastructure beneath some of the busiest cities in the world pushes construction methods to their limits.

Tunneling remains the project’s defining challenge. Crews are boring deep below urban neighborhoods, rivers, and existing rail lines while minimizing surface disruption. New underground stations must be carved out in tight spaces, often hundreds of feet below ground, and integrated with existing transit systems. These stations include complex ventilation, emergency access, and vibration control systems designed specifically for Maglev technology.

Delays have highlighted how complex the project is beyond engineering alone. Environmental concerns, regional approvals, and political negotiations have all played a role in shifting timelines, particularly around water impacts and route approvals. Even so, construction continues, and the project remains central to Japan’s long-term transportation plans. 

The Chūō Shinkansen stands out as a rare combination of cutting-edge rail technology and some of the most demanding underground work ever attempted, securing its place among the world’s largest and most ambitious infrastructure projects.

Project 13: ITER

Location: Cadarache, southern France
Size and specs: The world’s largest experimental fusion energy project, involving 35 countries and centered around a massive tokamak reactor
Expected timeline: Construction began in 2010, with the schedule revised over time,v and first plasma now expected later than originally planned

ITER is a good example of science becoming a megaproject in its own right. The site looks less like a research lab and more like a heavy industrial complex. Construction includes some of the largest and most precise components ever manufactured, many of which are built in different countries and shipped to France for final assembly. These parts must fit together within extremely tight tolerances, even though some weigh hundreds of tons.

At the heart of ITER is the tokamak, a donut-shaped reactor that uses powerful magnetic fields to contain plasma. Building it requires advanced cryogenic systems to cool superconducting magnets to near absolute zero, along with reinforced concrete structures, seismic protection, and complex internal supports. Much of the work happens before the reactor ever turns on, making construction a major part of the project’s overall scope.

ITER is globally significant even before it begins operations because of what it represents. It brings together nations that do not always align politically to work on a shared energy goal. From an AEC perspective, it pushes the limits of precision manufacturing, logistics, and coordination across borders. ITER’s long timeline and revised milestones highlight how challenging fusion research is, and why it remains one of the most important and construction-heavy projects underway, anywhere in the world.

Project 14: Jubail II Industrial Complex

Location: Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia
Size and specs: A major expansion of one of the world’s largest industrial cities, combining petrochemical plants, utilities, housing, logistics facilities, and port infrastructure
Expected timeline: Ongoing phased expansion with development continuing over multiple years

Jubail II shows how industrial cities themselves can function as megaprojects. Rather than building a single plant or facility, the expansion focuses on growing an entire industrial ecosystem. That includes new petrochemical complexes, expanded utility networks, and the infrastructure needed to support thousands of workers and residents. Every addition must connect seamlessly to existing systems that are already operating at a massive scale.

Utilities are a major part of the construction effort. Desalination plants and power stations are built or expanded to meet rising demand, while extensive pipeline networks move water, gas, and industrial materials across the site. Roads, rail links, and port facilities are upgraded to handle increased freight volumes, ensuring products can move efficiently from factories to global markets. This level of coordination between energy, water, transport, and industry is what sets industrial city projects apart.

What makes Jubail II especially notable is the scope of its planned growth. The expansion is designed to attract clusters of related industries, enabling manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers to operate in close proximity. Housing, schools, healthcare, and commercial areas are developed alongside industrial zones to support a long-term workforce. 

Jubail II represents city-scale planning focused on industry, showing how large infrastructure, utilities, and urban development come together in one of the world’s largest ongoing industrial builds.

Project 15: Lyon–Turin high-speed railway (Mont Cenis / Mont d’Ambin Base Tunnel)

Location: France and Italy, crossing the Alps
Size and specs: A major cross-border rail project centered on a roughly 57.5-kilometer twin-tube base tunnel, supported by new rail links and access works on both sides of the border
Expected timeline: Major tunnel construction has been underway since 2019, with opening targeted for the early 2030s

The Lyon–Turin high-speed railway is best known for its base tunnel beneath the Alps. Once complete, it will be one of the longest rail tunnels in the world. The tunnel is the headline because of the challenges of building it. Crews are working deep underground through complex alpine geology, including hard rock, fault zones, and water-bearing layers. Excavation, lining, and reinforcement must all meet strict safety standards while moving spoil material out of narrow mountain valleys.

Safety and logistics are central to the design. The twin-tube layout enables emergency access and evacuation, while advanced ventilation systems manage air quality and heat during construction and future operations. Worksites on both sides of the border must stay carefully coordinated, with materials, equipment, and crews moving through challenging terrain. From a construction perspective, the tunnel combines heavy civil engineering with long-term operational planning on a massive scale.

The project has also been one of the most debated rail builds in Europe. Environmental groups and local communities have raised concerns about ecosystem impacts, construction disruption, and cost. Supporters argue the line is key to shifting freight traffic from trucks to rail, reducing emissions and easing congestion through the Alps. As part of the broader Trans-European transport network, the Lyon–Turin railway aims to improve cross-border freight and passenger movement. Whether viewed through the lens of engineering or policy, it remains one of the most complex and closely watched rail megaprojects underway today.

Are more megaprojects expected as the world globalizes?

If the projects we just covered feel big, the next generation of megaprojects looks just as ambitious. As countries and companies think bigger about how people live, work, and move, new investment is breaking ground in data infrastructure, cross-border transport, water security, and energy. These builds reflect not just local need, but global trends in technology, climate resilience, and trade.

What’s breaking ground next?

AI and data infrastructure wave

The rise of artificial intelligence and cloud computing is driving demand for massive data centers and supporting infrastructure, such as industrial-grade campuses with gigawatts of power capacity and complex cooling and electrical systems. As AI usage grows worldwide, more hyperscale facilities, grid upgrades, and regional power solutions are expected to follow. This wave of digital infrastructure construction looks just as transformative as older efforts in rail or highways, and it indicates a growing intersection of technology and heavy industry in global development.

Rail revival and cross-border corridors

Rail remains front and center in long-distance transport planning. In Europe, the expansion of the Trans-European Transport Network continues to link cities and freight corridors across national borders, with sustainability and decarbonization in mind. Alpine base tunnels like the Lyon–Turin project show how challenging terrain can be tamed to cut travel times and reduce freight truck traffic. Meanwhile, countries around the world are investing in high-speed and freight rail to meet climate goals while improving connectivity between urban and rural regions and between nations.

Water security megabuilds

Climate change and population growth are pushing water infrastructure to new scales. The South-North Water Transfer Project in China highlights how entire river systems can be engineered to move massive volumes of water where it is needed most. Similar regional efforts are being considered in parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa to support agriculture, cities, and industry during droughts. Desalination plants, transfer tunnels, and flood control systems are all part of this next era of water megabuilds, where civil engineering meets climate resilience head-on.

Energy megaprojects scaling fast

Large energy projects that blend generation, storage, and transmission are also multiplying. Mega solar parks, expanded hydro installations, and new grid infrastructure are underway in places like India, China, and the Middle East. These builds aim to meet rising electricity demand while shifting to lower-carbon power sources. Solar parks tied to industrial regions, large hydropower builds in remote river systems, and high-voltage transmission lines crossing states and countries are all part of how energy infrastructure is being rethought at a massive scale.

As globalization continues to influence how countries prioritize growth, trade, and sustainability, more megaprojects are likely to be launched. Each new effort brings its own mix of engineering challenge, economic opportunity, and long-term impact.

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For architecture firms, the work isn’t just about bringing a vision to life; it’s about solving a challenge. B+H Architects does exactly that by using modern design and building trends to deliver a unique solution to every client’s challenge. Here are some of the past, present, and future projects from B+H Architects, including TD Centre Toronto, Hoi An Marriott, and Crystal Lodge Whistler. Plus, how each design brought creativity and innovation to the build. 

About B+H Architects

Founded in Toronto in 1953, B+H Architects aims to convey stories that showcase the relationship between space, people, and context. The stories and project geographies are diverse, and often speak to cultural traditions, social values, and sustainable design. 

B+H’s sector expertise enables them to provide holistic solutions to each client. They strive to deliver on something truly unique and distinct every time. They serve clients around the globe, with studios in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Los Angeles, San Diego, Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, and more. 

Past, present, and future projects on the go from B+H Architects

1. University of British Columbia – AMS Student Nest

• Location: Vancouver, Canada
• Year built: Completed 2015
• Typology: Institutional/Education

The AMS Student Nest at UBC is a 255,100-square-foot gathering area for students and faculty alike. The goal is to provide the school with a welcoming, inclusive student union centre that would embody social, environmental, and economic sustainability. 

The project features a five-story atrium called the Agora, which faces toward the popular outdoor gathering space, Knoll. Terrace seating and stairs sweep across the two lower levels, and larger stairs connect all levels of the atrium, fostering a sense of community. The students’ input on the design inspired the Nest to adopt a welcoming “miniature city” look as the focal point of the school.

2. TD Centre Toronto

• Location: Toronto, Canada
• Year built: Completed 1991
• Typology: Commercial/Mixed Use

Toronto’s timeless TD Centre is an almost 5 million square foot project in the heart of the financial district. This project marked the rebranding from B+H, formerly Bregman + Hamann Architects, and symbolizes Toronto’s status as a major city while setting a new standard for Canadian office buildings. 

The project features a granite-paved pedestrian plaza and a banking pavilion, including what are now known as the North, South, and West Ernst & Young Towers. The project won a 25-year award from the Ontario Association of Architects and is one of the very few Modernist designs to receive an Ontario Heritage designation. 

3. Fairmont Pacific Rim

• Location: Vancouver, Canada
• Year built: Completed 2010
• Typology: Hospitality

Fairmont Pacific Rim is one of many Fairmonts that blend contemporary aesthetics with cohesive brand design. The challenge for B+H here was to integrate qualities unique to this West Vancouver location. Hotel rooms at Pacific Rim are laid-back and contemporary, with a clean, modern aesthetic and state-of-the-art technology. They feature marble, spa-inspired bathrooms with spa showers and soaker tubs. 

The rooms feature media connectivity, television mirrors, and iPads, offering a more interactive guest experience. The Willow Stream spa, complete with a Japanese Zen tub, is on the fifth floor, and the hotel also features 15,000 square feet of amenity space, including multi-media rooms, conference space, and a business center. 

4. Aloha ʻĀina, An Indigenous-led Economic Resilience Centre

• Location: Kapa’a, Kaua’i, United States
• Year built: In Progress
• Typology: Planning & Landscape

The Indigenous-led Economic Resilience Centre, Aloha ‘Āina, is a 20,000 square foot area establishing a new economic model for Kaua’i. Aligning design with cultural essence, B+H’s goal was to involve the locals who share the strongest relationship with the space in the project. 

After many in-depth consultations with Indigenous leaders, B+H established a Living Story document to adhere to critical design principles from Indigenous experiences and perspectives. The design is heavily landscape-led and will bring a sense of peace and connection to nature to those who visit the client, Kaua’i Federal Credit Union.

5. The Jiulongpo Area of The Western (Chongqing) Science City

• Location: Chongqing, China
• Year built: In Progress
• Typology: Planning & Landscape

The Jiulongpo Area Of The Western (Chongqing) Science City is situated on the Yangtze River, China’s primary waterway. Science City connects to the metro, shipping centers, and the high-speed railway, driving pedestrians and new growth to each cluster. The design respects the existing land resources and retains the original functions of the already existing farmland. 

The project explores the area’s organic integration options for advanced agriculture, creating a bridge between untouched nature and scientific innovation. Once completed, the project is expected to drive digital shipping, a new wetland, smart logistics, and a boost in riverside tourism.

 6. Hoi An Marriott Hotel Resort 

• Location: Vietnam
• Year built: In Progress
• Typology: Planning & Landscape

Vietnam’s newest Marriott, the Hoi An Marriott Hotel Resort, features a stretch of secluded beachfront along a vast, open ocean area. The goal of B+H Architects was to mitigate the adverse water conditions during weather events and maximize beach time for guests under any conditions. The elevated sandbank was added to boost the beach’s depth and act as a buffer, and other resort activities include family, main, and quiet pools. 

A lazy creek runs through the area, connecting amenities with common spaces. The resort also connects to other local attractions, engaging guests with the surrounding culture. 

7. Crystal Lodge Whistler

• Location: Whistler, Canada
• Year built: Completed 2020
• Typology: Hospitality 

Crystal Lodge Whistler is a well-known hotel that blends the aesthetics of nature’s playground with the unique mountain landscape. The 2020s North Wing refurbishment by B+H created a sensory walk-through from the town’s past to the present. The new palette is inspired by the natural resources that blanket the Whistler Blackcomb mountain. The integration of spruce and cedar wood tones creates a comforting warmth, while the black lichen accents and granite rock elevate the wing with a modern, luxurious touch. 

The materials used in the project aim to express a language that is not only identifiable to the Whistler area, but to the broader West Coast. It’s a blend of modern design with rich mountain history, bringing a refreshed air of allure to the historic hotel. 

8. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

• Location: Toronto, Canada 
• Year built: Completed 2013
• Typology: Education, Sports & Recreation

Toronto’s Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a 110,000-square-foot project located on the ground floor of the CN Tower, complementing the area’s setting with a modern yet exciting exterior. The attraction draws more than 2 million patrons each year and is designed to captivate guests of all ages and walks of life. It’s thoughtfully choreographed, leading people on an educational journey that both inspires and entertains. The faceted exterior mimics modern glacial formations peeling away from the land, revealing a grand window that leads guests down an open, winding, guided path.

The project was also intended to foster sustainability and aquatic ecosystem conservation, as well as a heightened sense of exploration. Many design elements are inspired by the rich diversity of aquatic life found in the facility, such as abstract patterns that mimic the movement of a jellyfish. The project had to consider natural daylight use, limiting it to reception and non-exhibit areas, as it encourages excess algae and can cause glare on the largely glass exhibits. 

Final thoughts

Across decades and continents, B+H Architects has built a portfolio defined by thoughtful problem-solving and contextual design. Whether working on cultural institutions, hospitality spaces, or large urban mixed-use developments, the firm consistently balances creativity with practicality, sustainability with storytelling. Together, these projects show how architecture can respond to its surroundings while shaping experiences that endure long after construction is complete.

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Based in Canada and working globally, Stantec designs everything from hospitals and transit systems to mixed-use towers and community spaces, all with a focus on people and place. Below, we’ve provided a curated look at some of Stantec’s most eye-catching past, current, and upcoming projects, and why they matter to the cities and communities they serve.

About Stantec

Stantec is a global design, architecture, and engineering firm based in Edmonton, Alberta, with offices and teams worldwide. The company supports projects across infrastructure, buildings, energy, and community development, helping cities and organizations plan, design, and build spaces people rely on every day.

Stantec combines architects, engineers, planners, environmental specialists, and designers under one roof. The company describes its work as providing the “expertise, technology, and innovation communities need” to address challenges such as aging infrastructure, population growth, and climate change.

With more than 32,000 employees working across more than 450 locations worldwide, Stantec supports public and private clients on projects ranging from hospitals and transit systems to energy facilities and mixed-use developments. At its core, the firm focuses on creating places that are built to serve communities over the long term.

Past, present, and future Stantec projects

Stantec Tower

Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Year built: Completed 2018 (office) and 2019 (residential)
Typology: Mixed-use skyscraper (office, residential, retail)

Stantec Tower is one of the most recognizable buildings in Edmonton and a clear statement piece for Stantec. Rising 66 storeys and roughly 251 metres tall, it is the tallest building in Edmonton and the tallest in Canada outside Toronto. The tower brings together office space, retail, and residential units into a single vertical community.

The building also serves as Stantec’s global headquarters, placing the company’s own teams inside a project that reflects its design values. Located in the heart of Edmonton’s ICE District, the tower has helped the area’s growth as a business, entertainment, and residential hub. Its scale, mixed-use design, and prominent location helped signal a new phase of downtown development.

Sustainability was incorporated into the project from the outset, with LEED Gold certification, and design choices focused on energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term performance.

Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital

Location: Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
Year built: Opened 2021 (design and construction began mid-2010s)
Typology: Healthcare facility

Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital is a major new health care facility that brings modern hospital care to one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. This 11-storey, 1.2-million-square-foot hospital opened its doors in 2021 and serves patients from Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and the surrounding areas of York Region. It is the first hospital ever built in Vaughan and one of the first net new hospitals in Ontario in more than 30 years.

Stantec was part of the design team that created spaces focused on healing and comfort. The project includes emergency services, diagnostic imaging, surgical care, intensive care units, and several private patient rooms, all built with natural light and thoughtful organization. Stantec’s team integrated technology and open spaces filled with natural daylight so that patients, families, and staff feel more at ease.

One of the features that helped this hospital stand out is its use of smart technology that enables medical systems to communicate with one another, improving patient care and workflow. The building also connects with its community outside through landscaped paths, green spaces, and areas for walking and rest.

When Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital first opened, it played an important role in supporting Ontario’s health system during the pandemic, and it now operates as a full-service community hospital delivering care across a wide range of specialties.

Bruce Power Refurbishment

Location: Ontario, Canada
Year built: Ongoing (future phases through 2033)
Typology: Energy infrastructure refurbishment

Bruce Power Refurbishment is a huge, long-term effort to renew one of Canada’s biggest energy sources. At the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station in Ontario, operators are updating key components across multiple reactors to help the plant continue supplying clean, reliable power well into the 2050s and beyond. The work focuses on replacing major components in six of the station’s eight reactors, such as steam generators and pressure tubes, allowing those units to continue running safely and efficiently for decades.

Stantec is part of this massive project team, working on design and planning as part of a broader group of engineers and builders. Its involvement includes helping plan site buildings and support facilities that need to work well with the ongoing refurbishment and future operations. 

The goal of this project is to support long-term energy needs, local jobs, and regional economic strength through a careful mix of engineering and construction services. Because the refurbishment spans many years and different reactor units, work will continue in phases until about 2033.

Ontario Line

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Year built: Under construction (estimated completion 2031)
Typology: Rapid transit infrastructure

The Ontario Line is a major new rapid transit line being built in the heart of Toronto to give people faster, easier travel across the city. When finished, this 15.6-kilometre line will run from the Ontario Science Centre in the northeast to Exhibition/Ontario Place in the southwest, with 15 new stations linking to other subway lines, streetcar routes, and GO trains. This will help cut down on crowding, reduce travel times, and make everyday trips simpler for thousands of riders.

Stantec is part of a technical advisory team on this project, working with partners to support planning, design, engineering, and other technical services that help move the work forward. In this role, the team contributes to things like utility relocation planning, site layouts, road design, environmental planning, and project specifications for the Ontario Line route and station areas.

Construction is underway and, once complete, the Ontario Line will improve connections across Toronto’s transit network, reduce pressure on existing subway routes, and make it easier for people to reach jobs, schools, and other community destinations.

Réseau express métropolitain (REM)

Location: Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Year built: Ongoing (expected to expand through the late 2020s)
Typology: Light rail transit network

Réseau express métropolitain (REM) is a new transit project transforming how people get around the Greater Montréal area. When complete, the REM will be a fully automated, all-electric light rail system stretching about 67 kilometres with 26 stations, linking downtown Montréal with the South Shore, West Island, North Shore, and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. It is one of the largest automated light rail networks in North America.

Stantec’s teams are helping with engineering, planning, and environmental work on this project. They are designing systems such as lighting, drainage, bridges, civil structures, and support systems to help the REM function safely and smoothly. Their work has included multiple project phases, including sections that now connect the South Shore and the Deux-Montagnes branch to Montréal’s broader transit network.

The REM is already partially in service and being used by riders, and construction continues on more segments. Once finished, it will make trips across the region faster and easier and offer a modern transit option that connects many different parts of the city.

Hazel McCallion LRT

Location: Mississauga and Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Year built: Under development
Typology: Light rail transit

The Hazel McCallion LRT is a major public transit project aimed at improving travel along the busy Hurontario Street corridor. Once complete, the light rail line will connect Mississauga and Brampton, making it easier for citizens to travel between neighborhoods, job centers, and transit hubs.

Stantec is involved in the project through a technical advisory role, supporting planning, design coordination, and delivery. This kind of work focuses on making sure complex transit systems come together smoothly, from early construction through readiness for service.

By running largely in a dedicated corridor, the Hazel McCallion LRT is expected to offer faster and more reliable service than buses that share the road with traffic. The project also supports long-term growth goals in Peel Region by encouraging transit-oriented development and giving residents a more sustainable way to get around.

Scarborough Subway Extension

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Year built: In progress
Typology: Subway infrastructure

The Scarborough Subway Extension is a massive transit project that will extend Toronto’s Line 2 subway deeper into Scarborough, replacing aging rapid transit and improving access for growing neighborhoods. The extension is designed to increase capacity and shorten travel times, strengthening connections between Scarborough and the rest of the city.

Stantec is providing design and engineering support for the project, helping move this complex underground infrastructure forward. Work includes supporting station design, tunneling coordination, and systems planning.

Once complete, the Scarborough Subway Extension is expected to ease crowding on existing transit lines and provide more reliable service for daily commuters. It also plays a key role in Toronto’s long-term transit strategy by supporting future growth and making rapid transit more accessible to residents across the eastern part of the city.

100 Pier 4

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Year built: Completed
Typology: Residential tower

100 Pier 4 is a modern residential tower located along Boston’s waterfront in the Seaport District. The building stands out for its sculptural shape, which is designed to capture sweeping harbor views while fitting into the fast-growing skyline around it.

Stantec played a key role in the building’s design, helping shape a structure that balances visual impact with everyday livability. The tower includes a mix of residential units and shared amenities that take advantage of natural light, water views, and outdoor space.

Because the building sits close to the harbor, resilience was a primary focus. The design accounts for coastal conditions and long-term durability, making it well-suited to a changing climate. Together, these elements make 100 Pier 4 a strong example of contemporary urban residential design in one of Boston’s most active neighborhoods.

Ollie at Baumhaus

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Year built: Completed
Typology: Mixed-use residential

Ollie at Baumhaus is a mixed-use residential project designed for people who want to live, work, and relax in the same neighborhood. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, the building combines modern apartments with shared spaces and amenities that support everyday life.

Stantec helped bring this project to life through thoughtful residential and urban design. The building features a rooftop garden and shared amenity spaces that encourage residents to spend time outdoors and connect.

The overall layout focuses on flexibility and comfort, making the building feel functional and welcoming. Ollie at Baumhaus reflects a growing trend in residential design that blends housing with lifestyle-focused amenities, creating spaces that support modern-day living.

Valley Line LRT

Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Year built: In progress (Southeast segment open; West segment under construction)
Typology: Light rail transit

The Valley Line LRT is a major public transit project designed to improve how people move across Edmonton. Unlike older LRT lines in the city, the Valley Line runs mostly at street level and is designed to better connect established neighborhoods with growing areas on both the southeast and west sides of the city.

Stantec is part of the design and engineering team supporting the project. Work includes civil engineering, urban design coordination, and transit planning with a focus on integrating modern rail infrastructure into busy city streets.

By bringing rapid transit closer to where people live, work, and shop, the Valley Line LRT supports long-term growth and more sustainable transportation. It also reflects a shift toward transit systems that are designed to blend into urban life, rather than run around it.

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Idaho officials and irrigation leaders broke ground in mid-October on a new dam project along the Boise River. The roughly $20 million build is expected to take about two years to complete. By replacing a diversion structure that’s been in service for nearly a century, the Boise River dam project gives farmers and water managers greater control over water delivery and river flow.

Construction impacts and environmental concerns

People are poring over river flow charts and system upgrades, trying to get a handle on the whole project, but down on the ground, folks are far more interested in the jobs it’ll create and how it’ll pay off long term. The fact that operators, surveyors, concrete layers, welding teams, and inspectors can all secure steady on-site work is a real bonus. And this kind of job site doesn’t just need workers; it needs districts, contractors, and engineers coordinating with each other, with work stretching well into 2026. Local suppliers and small businesses across the valley will also benefit when crews need items such as fuel, lunches, tools, and parts.

Farmers and growers are watching this one closely for another reason. The new Boise River dam will help regulate water flow along the river, meaning some of the sharp fluctuations in spring runoff will be a thing of the past. When irrigation deliveries go haywire without warning, crops can struggle, and extra pumping adds to the farmer’s expenses, which are already thin margins in the Treasure Valley. More reliable deliveries give farmers the freedom to plan their seeding and watering schedules without being disrupted at the last minute when the river changes course.

Thousands of people pass by Barber Park and beyond when the weather warms up. With better control over river levels, float trips become much safer. Businesses such as outfitters, outdoor stores, and restaurants near launch points rely on that steady summer flow. A river that behaves is a river that keeps bringing in customers.

What people living nearby can expect

Construction isn’t going to be a quiet or invisible process—you can bet there’ll be big trucks rumbling in with materials all the time, and gravel pits will be busier than usual, with concrete pours beginning at dawn whenever needed. Neighbours who walk or bike near the Boise River dam site may need to take a detour or navigate around work zones when foundations are being laid or heavy equipment is moved. It may not be quiet all the time, but the noise brings a steady stream of paychecks for local workers.

And then there’s the fish and river habitat that is receiving significant attention. State and local water agencies are developing measures to minimize disturbances during construction, and residents who rely on the river for work and recreation have already proposed ideas for how construction should proceed.

This new Boise River dam is one of those projects that might not make national news, but it’s really important to the people who live around here. It’s providing work for crews, water for farms, and a river that’s stable enough to support local businesses and river access. Several people in the region are closely watching this project.

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Across the West Coast, HMC Architects work on projects that shape everyday public life, including higher education campuses and civic facilities. From the College of the Desert Indio Campus Expansion to the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility, their projects focus on how people actually move through, use, and experience these spaces. The result is architecture that supports real needs rather than abstract design ideals. This spotlight takes a closer look at 10 standout past, present, and upcoming HMC projects that show how the firm blends sustainability, innovation, and human-centered design into every stage of the build.

HMC Architects

HMC Architects has been designing public buildings on the West Coast for decades, with much of its work rooted in education, civic, and healthcare spaces. With offices in California and Nevada, the firm focuses on projects that need to work well day after day. The emphasis is less on creating signature architecture and more on buildings that serve real, ongoing needs.

HMC teams regularly check in on finished projects to see how the spaces are holding up in real use. That includes noticing where layouts work smoothly and where they create friction. Those observations carry into future projects, shaping new schools, hospitals, and civic buildings based on experience rather than assumptions.

9 past, present, and future projects from HMC Architects

1. Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Redevelopment Program

• Location: Torrance, California
• Year built: 2027 (expected completion)
• Typology: Healthcare/Medical Center Redevelopment

The Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Redevelopment Program is a huge multi-building upgrade that will transform a 72-acre campus into a modern healthcare hub. The goal of the redevelopment is to make the complex medical campus easier to use and manage. New buildings bring inpatient care, outpatient services, parking, and infrastructure into a more organized layout, reducing the need to move between scattered facilities.

California’s seismic codes play a big role in how the project is designed, but performance matters too. Sustainability strategies are built in to lower energy use and create a healthier environment for patients and staff in the long run.

By reorganizing inpatient and outpatient care into carefully planned facilities, Harbor-UCLA will be able to serve the community more effectively and provide a more welcoming experience for everyone who walks onto the site.

2. Glendale Community College New Science Building

• Location: Glendale, California
• Year built: Phase one completed June 2014; Phase two completed November 2024
• Typology: Higher Education/Science & STEM

The Glendale Community College New Science Building is designed as a gateway to STEM education and a new front door for the campus. The Buena Vista science building puts labs, lecture spaces, and study areas in close proximity. With 25 labs and a 127-seat lecture hall, students can move from experiments to class to group work without leaving the building or crossing campus.

The building is organized around a central courtyard that students pass through regularly. Labs and classrooms sit along the outside edges, which keeps circulation clear. Large windows let daylight into most parts of the building. Heating and cooling are handled by updated systems, and the site was planned with space set aside for possible solar panels in the future.

3. Quail Hill Community Center

• Location: Irvine, California
• Year built: 2017
• Typology: Community + Culture/Community Center

Quail Hill Community Center is a great example of how HMC turns a neighborhood facility into a true community hub. The 19,000-square-foot center is one of the largest in Irvine and was imagined as a gateway to nature, connecting people to nearby open space and the Quail Hill trail system. Inside, it supports a mix of programs, from childhood education and art camps to fitness classes and community events, so residents of all ages have reasons to show up and spend time there.

Sustainability is built into both the site and the building. The project includes solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and native landscaping. The building achieved LEED Gold certification. Interior spaces are organized into four zones: classrooms, an exercise room, an arts space, and a conference area.

Outside, there are gardens and a playground that are used by different programs throughout the day. They give people a reason to spend time outdoors rather than staying inside the building.

4. City of Ontario – City Services Building (City Hall Annex)

• Location: Ontario, California
• Year built: Expected completion December 2026
• Typology: Civic/Government

Instead of sending residents to multiple addresses, the City Services Building puts several city departments in the same place. Locals can handle basic city business without moving between offices.

Inside, the layout is straightforward, with clearly defined service areas and staff spaces that bring in natural light. The building adds modern functionality to the civic campus while still fitting in with the existing city hall next door. It is designed to be practical first, with an emphasis on making routine visits easier for the public.

5. County of San Diego North Coastal Live Well Health Center Building

• Location: Oceanside, California
• Year built: Opened 2025
• Typology: Community + Culture/Healthcare

The County of San Diego North Coastal Live Well Health Center Building shows how HMC connects health services, sustainability, and community in a single facility. Located in Oceanside, the three-story center brings together programs like Aging and Independence Services, Public Health, Behavioral Health, and a Military and Veterans Resource Center under one roof, so residents can access support in a welcoming, consolidated setting.

The building is powered by solar energy and does not rely on fossil fuels. Large windows bring daylight inside, while shading and narrow floor plates help keep temperatures in check. Operable windows make use of the coastal climate when possible.

Interior finishes are simple and durable, using wood and muted colors. The project meets LEED Platinum standards and was designed with energy use in mind from the start.

6. Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) – New Campus

• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Year built: Opened 2013
• Typology: Education/Performing Arts

The new Los Angeles County High School for the Arts campus is designed to give aspiring performers, visual artists, musicians, and designers a home that inspires creativity from the moment they arrive. HMC created a flexible, modern environment where students can rehearse, collaborate, experiment, and showcase their work in professional-quality spaces.

The campus combines performance spaces, studios, production labs, and classrooms, allowing students to move easily between practice and coursework. The campus includes outdoor plazas adjacent to academic and performance buildings. These areas are used during the school day.

7. College of the Desert – Indio Campus Expansion

• Location: Indio, California
• Year built: Opened 2024
• Typology: Higher Education/Campus Expansion

The Indio Campus Expansion adds much-needed space to an existing College of the Desert campus. With new classrooms, labs, lecture rooms, and a student success center, the campus can support more students and programs than before.

Student services are easier to find, and shared areas feel brighter and less closed in. The changes are practical rather than flashy, but they make the campus easier to navigate and more comfortable to use throughout the day.

8. Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility

• Location: Santee, California
• Year built: Mid-2010s (facility operating by 2019)
• Typology: Civic/Justice

The Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility is one of HMC’s most widely recognized justice projects, designed to shift the traditional correctional model toward one focused on dignity, rehabilitation, and supportive reentry. Instead of relying on a fortress-like layout, HMC created a campus-style environment that feels open, navigable, and connected, helping residents move through daily activities in a way that mirrors real community life.

Natural light, landscaped courtyards, and warm materials play an essential role in reducing stress and creating a calmer, more respectful environment for residents and staff alike. The campus includes housing, healthcare, classrooms, counseling rooms, and vocational training areas, all located within the same facility.

9. Ramón C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts

• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Year built: Opened 2009
• Typology: Performing Arts/Education

The Ramón C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts sits in downtown Los Angeles along the Grand Avenue corridor. HMC worked as executive architect on the project, which includes classrooms, rehearsal spaces, and a large theater used for student performances.

The fly tower gives the building a strong street presence, while interior spaces are set up for everyday instruction and practice rather than special events alone. The campus supports multiple arts programs and is used regularly by both students and the surrounding community.

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North America is pushing to build more homes in less time, and this article looks at who is leading that effort, what they are building, where these projects are underway, and why modular housing is becoming essential in 2026. Cities are dealing with rapid population growth, severe housing shortages, affordability pressures, labor constraints, and the need for faster, more sustainable construction. This is why large projects like Harbinger Homes developments in California, Veev’s growing modular communities in Texas and California, and new Canadian mid-rise builds tied to federal housing targets are getting so much attention. This article highlights key modular housing projects currently under construction across the United States and Canada and their implications for the future of rapid housing delivery.

Major modular housing projects currently under construction

Project 1 – Prescott Station

Photo courtesy of MBH architects.

• Location: West Oakland, California
• Specs: 235 affordable units in a six-story modular building with ground floor space
• Expected timeline: Opened in late 2025 with leasing and community rollout continuing through 2026

Prescott Station is one of the most talked-about modular housing builds in California, partly because of its scale and partly because of what it represents for future affordable housing. The project sits on Wood Street in West Oakland and brings 235 new homes to an area that has been under intense housing pressure for years. Completed by MBH Architects in collaboration with Harbinger Homes and Holliday Development, the units range from studios to two bedrooms, and the building includes a rooftop deck, coworking areas, parking, and ground-floor commercial space.

One reason Prescott Station stayed on track was timing. Crews were getting the site ready at the same time the housing modules were being built off site. When those modules arrived in Oakland, installation moved quickly, with units stacked and connected far faster than a traditional build would allow. That overlap helped keep the project moving, even with tight labor conditions across the region.

Prescott Station also fills a big gap in Oakland’s housing market. All units are rent-restricted and aimed at households earning around the area median income, bringing much-needed stability to a neighborhood that has seen rising rents and long waitlists for affordable homes. It is a strong example of how modular construction can deliver urban infill housing more efficiently. 

Project 2 – East King Edward Avenue Modular Housing (BC Housing)

Rendering courtesy of City of Vancouver.

• Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
• Specs: 14 storeys, 109 permanent supportive housing units built using volumetric steel modular construction
• Expected timeline: Construction awarded in 2023 with completion targeted for 2026

The East King Edward Avenue project stands out mainly because of how far it pushes modular construction in a dense urban setting. The 14-storey building will deliver 109 permanent supportive homes using volumetric steel modules built off-site, showing that modular is no longer limited to low-rise or temporary housing. BC Housing is leading the project, with Bird Construction awarded the contract and Stack Modular supplying the modular system.

The building does not follow the usual concrete tower playbook. Its steel modules are built off site, indoors, and brought to Vancouver largely complete. Once on site, they are stacked and connected rather than built up piece by piece. That matters in a city where construction sites are tight, schedules are compressed, and finding enough workers on any given week can be a challenge. The building is also designed to meet Passive House performance standards, supporting lower energy use over the long term.

Beyond construction methods, the project fills an important role in Vancouver’s housing system. It adds permanent supportive homes in a city where affordability remains a major issue, using a delivery model that prioritizes speed, consistency, and long-term performance.

Project 3 – Cal Poly’s modular student housing expansion (FullStack Modular)

• Location: San Luis Obispo, California (Cal Poly campus)
• Specs: A long-term program to deliver 4,200 student housing beds across nine modular buildings
• Expected timeline: Multi-year rollout through 2030, with near-term buildings coming online earlier (including 2026 milestones reported locally)

Cal Poly’s modular housing program offers a clear example of what large-scale modular construction can look like when it is applied over several years rather than as a single pilot project. Working with FullStack Modular, the university is rolling out a long-term plan to deliver up to 4,200 new student housing beds across nine modular buildings. It’s a practical response to a familiar problem: demand is rising, off-campus vacancies are tight, and building quickly matters just as much as building at all.

Instead of building each residence hall from the ground up, the housing is assembled using prefabricated modules that are manufactured off-site and then stacked and connected on campus. This approach allows construction and site preparation to happen at the same time, which helps keep schedules predictable and reduces the impact of weather delays and labor constraints.

While the project is focused on student housing, it reflects a broader shift toward modular construction at scale. It shows how modular systems can support large, phased developments where speed, repeatability, and long-term planning matter just as much as cost.

Is modular housing construction growing in 2026?

Modular housing is gaining real traction in 2026. Industry forecasts show the modular and prefabricated construction market continuing to grow as more builders look for faster, more predictable ways to deliver homes. Current reports indicate steady year-over-year growth in the modular sector as companies ramp up factory production and expand capacity.

Federal policy is starting to show up more clearly in how modular housing is being used. In Canada, the launch of Build Canada Homes is a shift toward faster delivery models, with modular and prefabricated construction built directly into the agency’s mandate. The focus is less on experimenting with new building types and more on getting affordable homes built on shorter timelines, which helps explain why modular systems are being specified more often.

Canada is also investing directly in modular housing through the Highly Prefabricated Multi-Housing Initiative, which funds housing projects that rely heavily on prefabrication. It is part of a broader push to build more units quickly for low- and middle-income households.

A big reason modular is becoming so appealing is the ongoing skilled labor shortage. Builders across North America are struggling to find enough workers, and factory-built systems help reduce on-site labor needs. Modular can also cut construction timelines by 30 to 50%, which is a huge advantage when cities are trying to add housing quickly.

Private investment is rising too. Startups and established modular manufacturers are expanding their factories, and companies like Boxabl are drawing major attention as they move toward public listings, signalling broader confidence in the sector.

All of these forces together point in the same direction. Modular construction is growing, capacity is increasing, and more cities and developers see it as a practical way to build housing faster with less waste. 

What to expect next in modular construction

As we look ahead, it’s clear that modular housing is gearing up for a much bigger role across North America. The pipeline is getting stronger, more coordinated, and more focused on real community needs.

One of the biggest examples is happening in Toronto, where the new federal agency Build Canada Homes is planning its first major development at Downsview. The project could include up to 540 modular homes, with at least 40% set aside as affordable housing, and it comes with support from the city and other public partners. 

Around the same time, the province, the city, and Habitat for Humanity GTA are teaming up on a six-storey, 33-unit modular condo at 355 Coxwell Avenue, making it clear that modular is becoming a go-to option for lower and moderate-income households. Together, projects like these show how large workforce housing campuses and community-scale modular neighborhoods are rapidly moving from “pilot” status to standard practice.

We are also seeing momentum in mid-rise and hybrid mass timber modular construction. Toronto’s 11 Brock Avenue project is a great example. It is being delivered using prefabricated mass timber components and will bring 42 supportive and affordable homes to the city by 2026. 

Companies like Intelligent City are taking this even further with their nine-storey modular mass timber building at 230 Royal York Road, which uses robotic assembly lines that shave months off construction timelines and reduce carbon emissions. Assembly Corp is advancing similar mid-rise projects across the Greater Toronto Area, suggesting that taller modular buildings are becoming a mainstream part of the urban housing toolkit.

Modular construction is also gaining importance in emergency and climate response planning. BC Housing recently released an Emergency Lodging Toolkit that works directly with modular and manufactured housing designers. The goal is to help communities plan for temporary accommodations after wildfires, floods, and other disasters. Relocatable modular homes help communities recover faster, since the units can be repurposed and moved as rebuilding progresses. With extreme weather events on the rise, wildfire and flood-prone regions will likely lean even more heavily on modular housing for both short-term and long-term needs.

Behind the scenes, the way modular housing is designed and built is also changing quickly. AI and digital tools are becoming part of everyday workflows, from generating building layouts to streamlining logistics. Canadian company Promise Robotics is one of the leaders in this space, offering an AI-powered off-site construction platform aimed at producing homes more efficiently at scale. We explore this shift more deeply in our guide on AI-powered modular housing, but the takeaway is simple: software and automation are starting to drive major gains in speed, precision, and cost control.

Robotics inside modular factories are strengthening this momentum. For example, Intelligent City uses industrial robots and AI to fabricate mass timber components, and firms like KUKA help reduce on-site labor needs, cut time, and improve sustainability with automated modular production. 

In the United States, factories like Autovol blend human trades and robotics to produce multiple modular units per day, which can then be assembled into full apartment buildings in just weeks. This combination of technology and prefabrication is reshaping the way housing production looks.

Sustainability is becoming a bigger part of the modular story. One modular project in the United Kingdom lowered embodied carbon by roughly 35% compared to traditional builds, largely because materials were used more efficiently with less on-site work. Other reports found that factory-built construction can reduce waste by up to 90% across materials like timber and plastics. Canadian researchers are also contributing new tools and guidance, including the CiBEC index, which helps teams measure and reduce embodied carbon in modular projects. These developments point toward a future where modular is not just faster, but also significantly cleaner.

Modular housing is gaining traction in 2026 largely because it solves several problems at once. Builders are under pressure to deliver housing faster, cities are facing persistent labor shortages, and governments are looking for construction models that offer more predictability. Factory-built systems address all three by shifting much of the work off-site and into controlled production environments.

Government involvement has helped accelerate this shift, particularly in Canada. Federal programs like Build Canada Homes and the Highly Prefabricated Multi-Housing Initiative support faster housing delivery by encouraging modern construction methods. These programs are not focused on modular alone, but modular construction fits naturally with their goals of speed, efficiency, and scale.

Private investment in modular housing is starting to look more grounded than it did a few years ago. Instead of broad announcements or pilot programs, manufacturers are expanding factories because they already have projects lined up and need the capacity. Developers, in turn, are getting more comfortable using off-site construction for permanent buildings, particularly for student housing, supportive housing, and mid-rise apartments where timelines are tight and delays are costly.

That does not mean modular works everywhere or solves every problem. Financing can still be uneven, zoning rules often lag behind construction methods, and factory schedules can fill up quickly when demand spikes. Some cities have figured out how to plan for modular delivery, while others are still adjusting approvals and site logistics. Even so, in markets where traditional construction keeps falling behind demand, modular is being used less as a test case and more as a practical way to get homes built.

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