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78 | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 4 New Academic Building (NAB) and the Student Quadrangle (Quad) – Concordia University of Edmonton NEW ACADEMIC BUILDING (NAB) AND THE STUDENT QUADRANGLE (QUAD) – CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY OF EDMONTON by NATALIE BRUCKNER F ounded in 1921, Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE), one of Canada's smaller universities, has long been a cor- nerstone of northeast Edmonton. Its picturesque Highlands Campus, perched on Ada Boulevard over- looking the North Saskatchewan River Valley, stands as a testament to both its history and ambition. CUE aims to expand to a stu- dent body of 4,000, requiring new spaces for classrooms, labs, and social areas while preserving small class sizes and a close-knit community. This vision, part of the University's 100-year Campus Master Plan devel- oped in 2019 with Najfeldt Architect, includes the New Academic Building (NAB) and Student Quadrangle (Quad), set to open in September. Having worked with the CUE for almost 40 years, Janusz Najfeldt, architect at Najfeldt Architect Inc., was tasked with guiding the projects from ideation to completion. Najfeldt engaged Reimagine Architects to design the NAB building, while per- sonally managing both projects. Collaboration was key in the devel- opment process. Vedran Škopac, principal at Reimagine and New Academic Building design author, explains that community engagement sessions at different design stages involved focus groups from the imme- diate neighbourhood. "We discussed the building's location, massing, materials, and colours. These sessions helped us fine-tune the design to be sensitive to the surroundings. By inte- grating the feedback and ideas into the design, we were able to create a space that not only meets functional requirements but also inspires and supports learning and innovation." Innovation and interconnectiv- ity were indeed core visions for this project, aligning with CUE's goals of providing students and faculty with spaces that facilitate high-qual- ity learning, while maintaining the close-knit environment for which the university has become known. To achieve this, the decision was made to move the university's main entrance. "The campus character and how people arrive needed rethink- ing," Najfeldt explains. "Concordia has an address on Ada Boulevard, but everyone arrives from 112th Avenue, so we decided to create a grand entryway from 112th. We also collaborated with the Edmonton Public School Board to landscape and add another sidewalk, creat- ing a grand boulevard access point from the bus stop on 112th Avenue." When it came to the design of both the NAB and the Quad, care- ful consideration was given to their setting and context. "The building's facade contrasts new with historic, showcasing how our campus has con- tinued to evolve through its century of history," explains Bob Thompson, director of plant operations at CUE. For the exterior, sustainability and integration were top priori- ties, reflecting a core focus of the master plan. "The exterior is highly energy-efficient and features phe- nolic panels that harmonize with the rest of the campus," explains Najfeldt. Škopac adds: "For NAB, we aimed for the building to be a beacon of sustainability and innovation. We prioritized materials with high recy- cled content and low environmental impact. For instance, the building envelope uses locally-sourced wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council [FSC] and recycled steel for structural elements. These choices highlight Concordia's commitment to responsible building practices." A notable feature is the curtain wall. "It all started with improv- ing the weakest component of the envelope – glazing. To improve the conventional aluminum framed triple-glazed curtain wall system, Reimagine raised additional fund- ing for design innovation with the goal of reducing operational carbon – greenhouse gas emissions. The result was an adaptation of a fibreglass cur- tain wall framing and VIG [Vacuum Insulated Glass], which offered sig- nificantly better performance than conventional glazing," says Škopac. The main atrium serves as a focal point for student interaction and engagement, connecting different parts of the building and foster- ing collaboration and creativity. The design incorporates natural venti- lation strategies, reducing reliance on mechanical systems and promot- ing a healthier indoor environment. Inside the NAB, various-sized class- rooms address different needs. The largest lecture theatres, located at the top of the building, stand about two-and-a-half storeys tall. "The sloped floor creates a landscape-like effect, gradually rising around the central gathering hub. Throughout the NAB design, we had student mental health in mind; therefore, social encounter was key for spa- tial organisation," explains Škopac. One classroom uses the ramp slope to the parkade, creating a tiered lay- out. The two-storey section connects seamlessly with the three-storey sec- tion through ramps, stairs, skylights, and breakout areas for students. The southern part of NAB features COVID-influenced wide corri- dors, classrooms, and offices. Labs are placed on the upper floors, ben- efiting from ample natural light through clerestories and windows. Breakout areas enhance student interaction, reflecting a commit- ment to sustainable and socially aware design that integrates practi- cal and aesthetic considerations. To minimize unnecessary fin- ishes, especially in classrooms, instead of using suspended T-bar ceilings, radiant panels were uti- lized, and concrete was exposed for aesthetics and to enhance acous- tics. Bulkheads were used to conceal mechanical equipment, improv- ing lighting and sound quality, while selective carpeting enhanced acous- tic performance. This approach combined aesthetic appeal with func- tional benefits, including increased ceiling heights for a spacious feel. In total, the NAB features 27 work- shop spaces and breakout rooms, 15 classrooms, three labs and prep rooms, two lecture theatres, an underground parking lot, and faculty offices, break rooms, study spaces, workstations, and exam spaces. The Quad is accessible by ped- way from the NAB and connected with CUE's existing main campus structure. "It includes floor-to- ceiling windows as part of its three-storey atrium, allowing nat- ural light into areas that can serve as studying, displaying art, and event hosting," says Thompson. Škopac concludes: "Overall, the project reflects a commit- ment to sustainable, socially aware design, integrating both practical and aesthetic considerations." A LOCATION 7128 Ada Blvd NW, Edmonton, Alberta OWNER /DEVELOPER Concordia University of Edmonton ARCHITECTS Najfeldt Architect / Reimagine Architects GENER AL CONTR ACTOR Chandos Construction STRUCTUR AL CONSULTANT RJC Engineers MECHANICAL CONSULTANT D.A. Fox Engineering ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT Reimagine CIVIL CONSULTANT Al-Terra L ANDSCAPE ARCHITECT KAFKA Landscapes TOTAL SIZE 10,000 square metres TOTAL COST $40 million R EN D ER I N G CO U RT E S Y R EI M AG I N E A RC H I T EC T S

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