Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1506758
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 3 | 83 University Commons – University of Alberta P H OTO G R A P H Y BY A D R I EN W I L L I A M S/CO U RT E S Y G EC A RC H I T EC T U R E consumption for heating and cooling. Occupants of the top floor take in pan- oramic views of the downtown skyline. Indigenous identity is celebrated at the heart of the building with the upcoming installation of public art commissioned to recognize a gift to the university from the Rupertsland Institute – Métis Centre of Excellence. The art piece will be located in a space directly below a large circular room designed specifically for community and gatherings. Fins of beautiful hem- lock wood define the space and are one more example of the commitment to thoughtful design details at play. But underneath both the historic and sleek modern portions of the new University Commons lies a LEED- gold-targeting infrastructure. You'll find all the usual energy-efficient suspects: advanced ventilation and electrical systems, solar panels, low- flow fixtures and low-VOC materials. Ultimately, though, the most sustain- able decision here was simply to adapt the building instead of tearing it down and starting fresh. "The most sustainable building is one that's already built," says Blouin. "If a building is loved, and has charac- ter, people will take care of it for years to come." A 12110-142 STREET EDMONTON, ALBERTA 780.448.9084 | INFO@RBKMILLWORK.COM WWW.RBKMILLWORK.COM UNIVERSITY COMMONS - UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA RBK Millwork.indd 1 RBK Millwork.indd 1 2023-08-26 9:38 2023-08-26 9:38