Fred Nichols Campus Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University
Fred Nichols Campus Centre is the primary centre of operation for the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union (WLUSU), and contains the offices, services, and business operations of the student-run organization.
The original design for the WLU Campus Centre draws on the International style of architecture. As specialists in renovation and additions to educational facilities, we worked with WLU to address deficiencies in the original 1960’s building.
This multi-year project, completed in 2012, expanded the existing facility to provide increased administration, restaurant, and bar facilities. The 2011 project provides an addition for expansion of the seating area serving the Terrace Food Court.
The expansion and renovation incorporates the following features:
- Multi-purpose seating (tables/chairs, couches, counters) to enable students to dine and study
- Additional space for the Union Market kiosk
- Storage space
- sustainable design, including a Green Roof
- Student Administration space
- Student club space
LOCATION
Waterloo, Ontario
COMPLETED
2012
SIZE
60,000 ft² (Renovation)
500 ft² (Addition)
SERVICES
Renovation & Addition
University Community Centre, Western University
This project involves the conversion of sports facility to student centre, including lecture halls, and student gathering areas.
The original student centre building included a pool, exercise rooms, squash courts, change rooms, and gym on three levels, as well as student services which included a food court, restaurants, bar, and movie theatre in the remainder of the UCC. When a new recreation centre was built in another part of the campus, the opportunity arose to convert the UCC recreation facilities into classroom spaces, which are in high demand on the UWO campus. A new 250 seat lecture theatre is also included in the scope.
A major challenge of the renovation was to transform the squash courts and the pool into usable spaces. Access during construction to the pool area, which was located on the lower level, was created by punching a hole in the exterior precast and concrete walls for a new set of exit doors and a mechanical louver. Equipment and steel had to be lifted into the space, and debris from the demolition had to be removed via this opening. The original student centre building included a gym with three courts. The design makes use of this large area in a new way. The student council explored many ideas for possible uses and ultimately decided to convert the gym into a lounge space with a stage/platform, and a balcony with lounge, study area, and multi-use.
LOCATION
London, Ontario
COMPLETED
2011
SIZE
83,000 ft²
SERVICES
Renovation & Addition
