Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/755184
10 | DECEMBER 2016 architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson While the firm was originally renowned for its contributions to the health care sector, it has evolved over the years and now has a diverse portfolio with everything from higher education buildings to intensive research facilities. "It's interesting as people still think of us as hospital architects, I like to call it a hangover from the Tillmann and Lamb days when hospitals took up about 70 per- cent of our work. But we made a choice back in 1992 to diversify, and now higher education is an equal part of our work. We are also immersed into projects with research and science, the auto trade, in fact any project that is interesting to us," says Tillmann. This is most recently reflected in the completion of the Canadian Centre for Product Validation for Fanshawe College. Perhaps one project, however, that truly showcases the work of architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson is the work the firm is doing with Western University, and in particular its new, innovative academic building for the Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing and the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, which is due to open in January. The building's four-storey design has been built around the concepts of natural light and common space. Designing such a contemporary building in a traditional set- ting that boasts collegiate gothic architecture was an exciting challenge for the team. "I've been working with the Western University for 20 years and they continue to expand their thinking when it comes to design. They are extremely open and invite us to come forward with alternatives. The new academic building is a pretty dynamic project as it is rooted in Western's campus architecture. It's about under- standing how to use the same materials seen on the older buildings such as stone, copper and glass, but in different quantities to complement yet modernize the space," says Tillmann. "For the academic building we have a 40-foot cantilever that projects out over the intersection of the street, and lots of glass to maximize light in the interconnected floor space. The building was a tough marriage bringing the nursing school and the FIMS people under one roof, but we all found a way to knit it together." Sustainability was also key to the project, and a focus that architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson holds in high regard. "One of the many great things about Western University is that they are not just doing something to get a point, that's not neces- sarily a good sustainable solution. We have done a number of buildings with them that are LEED Silver, but the way they think is beyond LEED. They take what they need from the LEED process to create bespoke sustainability within their buildings." The firm also takes this approach, understanding that when it comes to sustain- ability today, it is about so much more than just energy efficiency. "I believe LEED will just get more intensive as building codes are almost at the LEED Silver stage anyway these days. For us, sustainability is also about being sustainable with the dollars and the health and wellness of its occupants." While the firm recognizes the challenges that come with true sustainability, they are not afraid to tackle those challenges head on. A couple of examples in Ontario include two net zero projects that architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson is currently working on: Georgian College's Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI), which is joint venture with Teeple Architects, and the Sifton Properties West 5, Medical Centre project. For West 5, the goal is to build Ontario's most sustainable community through design and technology that maximize the potential of the natural elements to mini- mize the draw on resources needed for everyday life. Solar panels, solar parkades, electric vehicle charging stations and high-performance road surfaces that help melt snow and ice faster are just some of the ideas being incorporated into the design. "Net zero is a challenge because it's another mouth at the trough that is eating up the budget, so it's about learning where to pull back to achieve the goals of the client, and about constant communication with everyone involved," says Tillmann. Perhaps two more projects that perfectly embody the work of architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson and their ability to partner with firms to gain the best possible outcome are the Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care in St Thomas and the Regional St. Joseph's Health Care, Parkwood Institute, Regional Mental Health Care in London, both Infrastructure Ontario projects. These award- winning facilities were completed in joint venture with Parkin Architects. The state-of-the-art hospitals have been sustainably designed (LEED Gold), but also support staff and create healing environments that allow for individual growth and skill development. "There was a lot of emotion that went into those projects; especially from the people who operate the facility, and this emanated out to all those who worked on those buildings. At the end we came together and between the consultants, contractors and subcontractors donated over $1 million to the proj- ect. That spoke volumes about how we felt about the people we were doing this for," explains Tillmann. When it comes to the future of architecture, Tillmann believes the personal touch that his firm so clearly demonstrates, will continue to remain integral. While he talks of the business of architecture slowly diminishing as bigger firms acquire smaller firms, and the knock-on effects of the P3 model and how this will impact the sector over the next few years, it's obvious that his firm is onto something. By partnering with the right people, it looks like smaller firms will continue to be a major force. "For us it has proven to be a great way to work. Every project where we partner is a 50/50 relationship, which surprises some people, but it is about learn- ing from one another and working on the best possible outcome," says Tillmann. A Academic Building at Western University. Parkwood Institute Regional Mental Health Care. Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAI GIL + RENDERING/COURTESY ARCHITECTS TILLMANN RUTH ROBINSON