Built in the early to mid-70s, the Information Booth sat just inside the University Drive entrance from 24th Ave, where Parking Lot 1 is now located. Students and Public Relations staff worked in the booth year-round, fielding 20,000 questions annually ranging from where to find buildings, offices, or events, to asking directions to Calgary landmarks.
Initially built for service rather than as an architecturally welcoming portal to campus, the Booth was small, cramped, and uncomfortable to work in, without a washroom or any other amenities. In 1985, Campus Planning proposed an upgrade to the building as a 450 gross square metre visitor centre, which, in addition to information services, would house Security Services and the Parking Administration offices. Chancellor Norford sent a letter to the Business and Building Committee to consider the $850,000 request, suggesting that the building “reflect the historical perspective of southern Alberta and [the] benefits of scholarship and research. It might be appropriate to consider a provincial or national competition to ensure that the design would be architecturally outstanding.”
Despite this desire for a campus welcome centre, funding never materialized; a large campus map replaced the Information Booth following its removal.
... built for service rather than as an architecturally welcoming portal to campus, the Booth was small, cramped, and uncomfortable to work in...