Providing comprehensive health sciences simulation in multiple care settings
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 puts student wellness at the forefront. In recognition of that mission, HSC has achieved WELL Precertification—a standard which seeks to support and advance human health and wellness along with targeting a highly energy efficient and low-carbon building footprint—as well as targeting Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Gold certification.
At a Glance
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Meet Our Team
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Darren Burns
Vice President, Innovation Leader, Buildings & Sector Leader, Commercial
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Tommy Chiu
Principal, Buildings
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Andreas Haase
Senior Associate
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Rich Hlava
Senior Associate
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Eleonore Leclerc
Principal, Architect
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Michael Moxam
Vice President, Architecture
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Stephen Phillips
Senior Vice President, Business Leader, Buildings
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James Strong
Intern Architect
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