Centennial College’s Block A Expansion is set to open this year, and we’ve been busy on and off-site with commissioning activities. This eco-conscious facility is incorporating WELL, LEED and Net Zero Carbon elements to ensure zero carbon output. The Progress Campus Gateway expansion will incorporate gathering spaces for Traditionalists, Elders, citizens of Indigenous Nations and members of indigenous communities. It will also include indoor and outdoor learning spaces, common areas, office space, and areas suitable for smudging ceremonies. Its flexible learning spaces contribute to the concept of inclusivity as students, staff and visitors will be able to adjust the orientation of the building’s physical elements to be more conductive of Indigenous teaching and learning models.
The design contract was awarded just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and so was impacted the past few years by health and safety concerns, as well as supply chain issues. The fantastic team managed to navigate the challenges and develop strategies to keep things on track to welcome students, staff and visitors in the fall of 2023. This will be the first zero-carbon, mass timber higher-education building in the country. ‘We wanted to raise the bar for future post-secondary projects,’ said Craig Stephenson, President and CEO, Centennial College. ‘At Centennial, we view sustainability, inclusivity and Indigeneity as wholly interconnected ideas and we wanted a building that demonstrates that crucial relationship.’
We are proud to have been part of the team for this project, working with EllisDon, DIALOG and Smoke Architecture, along with Colliers Project Leaders, for Centennial College. Learn more about the project details from DIALOG.
Rendering courtesy of DIALOG