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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | 93 WHT Mead Animal Science Centre Modernization – Lakeland College P H OTO G R A P H Y BY L AT I T U D E /CO U RT E S Y G EC A RC H I T EC T U R E WHT MEAD ANIMAL SCIENCE CENTRE MODERNIZATION – LAKELAND COLLEGE by NATALIE BRUCKNER O n September 28, 2022, Lakeland College celebrated the grand opening of the reju- venated WHT Mead Animal Science Centre at the Vermilion, Alberta cam- pus – a milestone in campus renewal that brings together a unique blend of technological sophistication and agricultural tradition, and one that truly complements the progressive approach of the College. "The original building was con- structed in 1964 and is typical in many ways of that era. It was in desperate need of remodelling. Over the past 12 years, enrolment in agricultural sciences programs has increased by more than 200 percent, and continues to grow. We have a long waiting list," says Georgina Altman, VP of external relations and infrastructure. The idea for the modernization started 12 years ago, and thanks to a $17.3-mil- lion investment in 2020 the work could finally begin on the Animal Sciences Centre located in the heart of the campus. "Early on we determined how much of the building we would be renovating. It was decided that two-thirds would be demolished, while one-third would be selectively renovated," explains Peter Osborne, partner at GEC Architecture. The renovation would also see the entire building envelope reclad and upgraded to give the feeling of one cohesive build. In May 2021 the demo- lition began and in July that same year the foundations were laid. Procurement issues during this time resulted in a design change, as Darryl Tarksis, project co-ordinator at Chandos explains: "We contem- plated whether or not we should go with steel, but opted instead for a full mass timber structure with column beams and glulam ceilings in spe- cific locations. We also had to switch gears when a company we were work- ing with went under, and we ended up using Western Archrib of Edmonton who designed and supplied the mass timber components." This extensive use of wood turned out to be rather fortuitous, as it truly spoke to the vision of what the College was trying to achieve. "We wanted to stay within the tradition of agriculture and being a mass timber structure with corrugated cladding spoke to this. We incorporated this idea into the angles of the building that are reminiscent of a barn or vernacular agricultural building. We were also able to expose a lot of the wood struc- ture in the original building that had been hidden away," says Osborne. To ensure the building connects seamlessly with the rest of the cam- pus, the team designed a breezeway entry located off to the side of the main entry that connects into a walk- way system linking together several of the buildings – perfect during times of inclement weather. The main entry into the build- ing is located off the major pedestrian circulation that runs east/west on campus. It is from here that you enter into a main street that runs directly through the building. "On entering the building, the double-height ceiling creates a sense of breathable space. All the natural elements within give the building warmth and yet the modern steel really complements the function of the building," says Altman. This atrium space features mass timber and an open clerestory, and during the evening Tarksis explains that accent lighting at the top of the window ledges offers a warm and inviting glow. These natural elements also work from a biophilic design per- spective, creating more natural light and healthier spaces for the wellness of its occupants. The spaces that were retained were those that could be function- ally reconfigured. "We retained three larger tiered lecture spaces within the existing building – those were high value spaces. What we tore down was the administrative and confined classroom space, which allowed us to really open up the new addition and create a central spine for the building," says Osborne. In addition to the existing tiered classrooms, lecture theatres, new classrooms, and faculty offices, there are two more tiered lecture theatre spaces – one more conven- tional in design, while the other has been designed to encourage flexi- ble learning opportunities and foster innovation. There is also a Student- Managed Farm – powered by New Holland headquarters, which is a planning space for animal science technology and crop technology students who manage Lakeland's crop, livestock, and research units. In spite of a rather aggressive sched- ule and unforeseen exterior challenges with procurement, Tarksis says the project's success was a result of open lines of communication and great col- laboration with all those involved. Altman concludes by saying: "I'm just so proud of everyone's com- mitment to making this work in an affordable way and one that suits the needs of our students, our faculty, and staff. I really think they nailed it with who we are and how we repre- sent ourselves to our students and our community. It was a real privilege to be involved in a project like this. This will become the model for how we go forward in all of our other spaces." A LOCATION 5707 College Dr, Vermilion, Alberta OWNER /DEVELOPER Lakeland College ARCHITECT GEC Architecture GENER AL CONTR ACTOR Chandos Construction STRUCTUR AL CONSULTANT RJC Engineers MECHANICAL CONSULTANT AME Consulting Group Ltd. ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT SMP Engineering TOTAL SIZE 35,214 square feet TOTAL COST $17.3 million

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