The “ask” in this project was a thrilling one. Create the first purpose-built institution of art and design in the country.

It was an opportunity to captivate and motivate a new generation of thinkers and creators. It also provided a welcoming public venue for the local community. Apart from faculty offices, studios and classrooms, it also includes a dedicated centre for Aboriginal Cultural development, public galleries, a bookstore, and an extensive art, design and media library. The projects was delivered by the Applied Arts Partners in a Public-Private Partnership. The new campus was designed in collaboration with Toronto-based Diamond Schmitt Architects as a joint venture.

The assignment was a new wet/dry laboratory building to accommodate a wide range of teaching and research activities. It should fit the scale and architectural expression of the existing University of Victoria campus content. Our solution, a new 4 storey building incorporates modular generic concepts that facilitate  flexibility for users, planning and access to services. Right now, the initial uses include wet and dry labs for teaching and research labs and officers for the Earth and Ocean Sciences and Chemistry departments. Plus, large lecture theatres and an Animal Resource Centre. The building is physically connected Into adjacent science facilities with a bridge connection to aid communication within the science campus.

The client said:

“I’ve heard nothing but praise for the flood of natural light that the large banks of windows provided by your design allow. It is not common that new buildings on university campusesexceed the expectations of their occupants…. and it  does so dramatically.”

 Thomas F. Pederson, Dean of Science