Reinforcing identity, optimizing enrollment capacity, and creating collaboration opportunities for students and faculty
When Northwest Community College (NWCC) desired to maximize facility flexibility and improve connectivity at their campus in Terrace, British Columbia, they called on our team to design renovations to the Trades Building. We proposed an $18 million facility to provide a new school identity with seismic upgrades to student collaboration space, building systems, and the exterior façade.
The goal is to establish a student-focused facility—one that creates a strong architectural identity for the College. The project also aims to challenge the existing teaching pedagogy and move towards modern learning principles in teaching spaces. We also added a new student gathering space to bring students together on campus.
The existing building looked like a fortress. Our design breaks down the visual barrier to create transparency, present greater opportunities for collaboration, and demonstrate higher forms of learning. In addition, the flexibility allows the NWCC to adapt to enrollment growth, changing economic forecasts, and industry needs. The renovated design goes hand-in-hand with existing structures and provides NWCC with the flexibility they need.
At a Glance
Thys Fourie, Principal, Buildings
Developing technical skills is important, but knowing how to apply them successfully is even more important.
Julio He, Designer
Design must always be functional and efficient but should never stop being memorable.
Sy Selick, Principal, Operations Leader, Buildings (British Columbia)
I strive to develop integrated design solutions that help my clients meet their business goals.
Tommy Chiu, Senior Principal
An intelligent building contributes to experience and business success by addressing operational efficiencies and occupant engagement.
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