Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1517387
M A R C H 2 0 2 4 | 75 Innovation Village – Fanshawe College (Phases 1, 2, & 3) P H OTO G R A P H Y BY TO M A R BA N /CO U RT E S Y D I A M O N D S C H M I T T A RC H I T EC T S – E XC EP T W H ER E N OT ED P H OTO G R A P H Y BY FA N S H AW E CO L L EG E O F A P P L I ED A RT S A N D T EC H N O LO GY INNOVATION VILLAGE – FANSHAWE COLLEGE (PHASES 1, 2, & 3) by ROBIN BRUNET I ncreasingly, institutes of higher learning are becoming innovation hubs where students develop real- life skills and transform ideas into viable ventures, helping to ensure they flourish in a disruptive work world. This is the idea behind Innovation Village, 95,000 square feet of space in the heart of the Fanshawe College of Applied Arts and Technology's London Campus. With the amalgamation of several older buildings plus new space, this hub fosters creative collisions between industry and community partners and includes a modernized library, Indigenous spirit assembly, ideas and pitch rooms, augmented reality (XR) centre, creative produc- tion spaces, Centre for Research and Innovation, and the Leap Junction entrepreneurship incubator. Thanks to Diamond Schmitt Architects, the facility reflects a rare achievement: a seamless design embracing the past as well as the future. One example is a cus- tom façade of photovoltaic cladding that forms a weaving pattern, giv- ing Innovation Village a distinctive appearance and also producing on- site renewable energy to power it. Another example is a learning com- mons featuring a Kalihwíy o Circle for Indigenous students: sculpted ceiling shapes resemble the back of a turtle, while glass doors on one side provide direct access to a courtyard. Simon Trevarthen, chief inno- vation officer at Fanshawe College, says, "Apart from the programming, so many elements speak to our Indigenous heritage as well as sus- tainability, with passive design features, anticipated heat reduction islands on the roof, and low-flow fix- tures. Yet it's all done in a very light and inviting way." Ewa Rudzik, architect at Diamond Schmitt, says the project involved the transformation of two adjacent build- ings and a new five-storey addition as well as partial demolition of old facili- ties. "Within the existing buildings we had to reconcile several different vin- tages and deal with challenges such as low ceilings – which we opened up, along with existing floor plates." Rudzik credits her firm's ability to contribute meaningful architec- tural expression of Indigenous values to extensive collaboration with stake- holders, including prolonged conversations with Guy Williams, Fanshawe's special advisor, Indigenous Education and Development. "To give an example, the input we received enabled us to design not just a new entry, but a beautiful canopy with an NLT deck, supported by interweaving glulam beams and, in particular, seven glulam and steel columns representing Fanshawe College's Seven Job Skills for the Future," she says. "They also stand for the Seven Grandfather Teachings, which are further presented inside as beautiful wall graphics designed by Indigenous artist Hawlii Pichette." Phase 1 and 2 of the project was a modernization and redevelopment within existing L and F Buildings