Kinneret Globerman
 |
“Although the new building is distinctly contemporary, it does not clash with the architectural context,” says its design architect Jason Moriyama who, with his father, designed Ottawa’s new Canadian War Museum. “It will maintain a similar material and colour palette as that of its surroundings.”
The $76.2 million, 12-story complex, which will house the School of Management and parts of the Faculty of Social Sciences, will be built in three phases, on a parking lot bounded by Laurier Avenue, and Waller and Nicholas streets. It will contain lecture theatres, computer labs, student lounges, faculty offices, a cafeteria, and a double-the-height multi-purpose event space. The last phase of the edifice will include two curving structures that look like two clasping hands and are symbolic of the English and French cultures coming together. Construction of the first and second phases is estimated to take two years.
Yet, its size and bulk notwithstanding, the design for the structure includes many environmental considerations and that’s because Moriyama’s goal in designing buildings for people is to do projects that are energy-efficient, sustainable and good for the environment. Moriyama & Teshima has always taken a holistic approach to architecture, melding exteriors to interiors, using space and sunlight as design elements, and natural and tactile construction materials.
“The issues of light and views were of great importance to us and many sun studies were done. The new offices will become some of the best work spaces on campus in terms of light quality, air quality, access to natural daylight and views.”
The interior materials and finishes will be a warm neutral palette of beechwood, stone, porcelain tile and linoleum. Carpeting was not included as a design element to eliminate potential health risks from mould or mildew.
The added bonus of building such a large complex is that, once it is completed, it will act as a sound buffer, deflecting noise away from the small heritage buildings on campus.
