The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) wanted to create one of the largest health science education simulation centers in North America. Their goal? Provide world-class heath science education for over 7,000 future healthcare providers every year. Our team was brought in to design the Health Sciences Centre (HSC), a facility that would consolidate 32 programs under one roof and create a physical manifestation of interprofessional education.
The 106,000 square foot urban site presented a unique challenge—a building with four frontages. In answer, we designed a “four-corner” concept that positions each façade as a front door, immediately orienting and connecting students, faculty, and visitors to the main circulation, the Commons.
The Commons is composed of three bleacher-style tiered staircases, the Amphitheatre, the Study, and the Garden. These formal spaces each intentionally support three learning typologies: large lecture-style gatherings, group work, and solitary study. At every floor, students can step-out to generous vegetated roof terraces that support accessible moments of decompression in a learning environment which can often be stressful and overwhelming.
The new HSC is an energy efficient, low-carbon emission building that places student wellness at the forefront. In recognition of their mission, HSC has achieved WELL v2 pilot gold certification, a standard which seeks to support and advance human health and wellness, and achieved Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Gold Certification.
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