Centennial College A Building Expansion

DIALOG, in collaboration with Smoke Architecture Inc.

Short description

Centennial College envisioned its a Building Expansion as a living embodiment of the Book of Poetry by Chief R. Stacey Laforme. The response in design is a celebration of the Mi’kmaq concept of "Two-Eyed Seeing" which harmonizes Indigenous wisdom and Western perspectives. The design of the interior centers on inspiring innovative thinking while allowing the building to be the primary storyteller. As Canada’s first LEED Gold, net-zero carbon, WELL certified, mass timber, higher-education facility it exemplifies an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

The A Building Expansion sits lightly on the land, cradled in native plantings, and in alignment with the cardinal directions. The main entrance is to the East, echoing the traditional approach in a longhouse. Students’ journeys commence as they ascend the grand stair at Wisdom Hall, activating the main spine of the building through informal learning spaces designed to facilitate spontaneous conversation and the sharing of ideas. Reaching the top at Level 3, the stair culminates at a large Student Hub and Café that will uniquely showcase Indigenous food offerings, allowing students to experience Indigenous culture through food.

The main circulation corridor spanning along Wisdom Hall features acoustic wood baffles that undulate to mimic the flow of water, a key element that is richly woven through Indigenous stories, customs, and heritage. On each side of the baffles, a commissioned artwork tells a Creation Story. Students may learn the story of the Anishinaabe as they walk to class and the story of Haudenosaunee on their return.

Drumbeats reverberate from the circular Indigenous Commons. This is the beating heart of the A Building Expansion, a space for gathering and ceremony. Light bathes the space from a clerestory above, with Douglas-fir ribbons intricately woven between thirteen mass-timber ribs that represent the thirteen moon cycles. Everything flows into and out from this ceremonial space and the entire interior planning resolves around it.

The lower three floors of the building are comprised of flexible and accessible classrooms, labs, and informal learning spaces, while the upper three floors are comprised of agile workspaces for Faculty and Staff with a focus on collaboration and student engagement. The inclusive design of the facility incorporates All Gender Washrooms, Lactation Rooms, and a Multi-Faith Space catering to the diverse needs of all occupants.

The palette is timeless, organic, and muted to showcase the mass timber structure exposed across all program areas. Rift-cut white oak and white solid surfacing elements are complimented by bright accents of red. Red-glazed tile envelops the vertical core while playful red accents highlight soft furnishings in key social areas of the building. Red signifies knowledge and learning in Indigenous culture and at the A Building Expansion further serves to inform intuitive wayfinding strategies and invoke energizing, delightful moments throughout.

The A Building Expansion is a living expression of reconciliation, inviting students to bring this poem to life.