Client: Niagara College, Welland, Ontario
Size: 12,500 s.m.
Cost: $18,500,00
Competition; 2010
The Learning Commons for Niagara College embraces sustainable design and LEED principles and brings unity to the campus by improving the connectivity between the various campus buildings. The existing courtyard has been enclosed to provide a year-round functional space and will act as the new student hub. Its central location presented the opportunity for an easily accessible learning commons. Within this space, a large number of trees and plants are located. There is a fireplace and comfortable chairs and tables for students to gather and exchange ideas while enjoying a cup of coffee. There is a growing wall and a myriad of information resources at hand organized around a central ‘one-stop’ information/help desk. Natural light is very important to this space and is achieved by continuous clerestorey lighting around the entire area. There are large study areas and break-out rooms for group work as well as individual study carols. This new learning commons connects directly to the existing library, where more traditional quiet studying can take place.
Taken from www.art.ca
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