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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | 53 Thames Hall Health and Wellness Centre – Western University P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y A RC H I T EC T S T I L L M A N N RU T H RO B I N S O N THAMES HALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTRE – WESTERN UNIVERSITY by PETER STENNING W hile a key goal of Western University's Thames Hall Health and Wellness Centre renovation was to create a single intake point for medical care, counsel- ling services, and wellness and equity education, the project also retains the facility's classic exterior architecture, while providing stunning interiors highlighted by a three-storey atrium commons with an expansive living wall and open staircase. The renovation of the 86,436-square-foot facility also includes new mechanical, electri- cal, and fire suppression systems plus envelope upgrades. An extra 24,250 square feet was created in the for- mer pool and gymnasium areas, and a re-alignment of stairs and elevators provides a barrier-free access to all areas of the building. Terry McQuaid, Western University's director of Wellness and Well-being, told local media: "We envisioned a more integrated model of care. Before, mental health was in one building away from primary care. The goal was to bring everyone into an integrated location. By doing so, it provides this hub across a range of services for students, so they can get what they need." Craig Cunningham, manager, mental health services, says of bring- ing health and psychological services under one roof as well as kinesiology: "We wanted to create an inviting space. Natural light is the biggest piece, especially from a mental-health perspective. We know how impor- tant light is to mood. Light coming in through skylights and the court- yard terrace brings more light into the offices and counselling spaces." Thames Hall was the third build- ing architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson repurposed on the Western University campus, after the Physics and University College buildings. "Like those facilities, Thames Hall was made of concrete and load bearing masonry – built to last," says principal Tom Tillmann, who started design development in June of 2018. Given the building's good con- dition, exterior renovation was minimal. "We replaced the windows but kept them the same size and made them operable," Tillmann says. "We kept the beautiful terrazzo tile floors and created new roofing and bar- rier-free entrances, as well as discreet ambulance access to the east." LOCATION 40 Lambton Drive, London, Ontario OWNER /DEVELOPER Western University ARCHITECT architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson GENER AL CONTR ACTOR Tonda Construction Limited STRUCTUR AL CONSULTANT VanBoxmeer & Stranges Engineering Ltd. MECHANICAL /ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT Chorley & Bisset TOTAL SIZE 86,436 square feet (renovated); 24,250 square feet (new) TOTAL COST $35 million

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