University of Ottawa / KWC Architects + Diamond Schmitt Architects

University of Ottawa / KWC Architects + Diamond Schmitt Architects - Image 2 of 41University of Ottawa / KWC Architects + Diamond Schmitt Architects - Interior Photography, Stairs, HandrailUniversity of Ottawa / KWC Architects + Diamond Schmitt Architects - Exterior Photography, FacadeUniversity of Ottawa / KWC Architects + Diamond Schmitt Architects - Image 5 of 41University of Ottawa / KWC Architects + Diamond Schmitt Architects - More Images+ 36

Ottawa, Canada
University of Ottawa / KWC Architects + Diamond Schmitt Architects - Image 6 of 41
Courtesy of Diamond Schmitt Architects

Text description provided by the architects. The building, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects in joint venture with KWC Architects, features extensive classroom, student study and collaborative space on the lower five floors and connects with the renovated Vanier Hall via multi-level bridges that span a five-storey skylit atrium. The upper floors house seminar, office and research space for faculty, graduate students and staff.

University of Ottawa / KWC Architects + Diamond Schmitt Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade
Courtesy of Diamond Schmitt Architects

“Designed to efficiently occupy a marginal site at the edge of this dense urban campus, a new academic crossroads has been created,” said Donald Schmitt, Principal with Diamond Schmitt Architects.

University of Ottawa / KWC Architects + Diamond Schmitt Architects - Image 8 of 41
Courtesy of Diamond Schmitt Architects

The new tower brings more than 500 faculty, professors, staff and graduate students together, creating greater opportunities for collaborative exchange. “This is more than just a new building; it’s a veritable social science laboratory,” said Allan Rock, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University. “Students and researchers in our largest faculty will benefit from the synergies that come with being together.”

University of Ottawa / KWC Architects + Diamond Schmitt Architects - Exterior Photography, Lighting, Cityscape
Courtesy of Diamond Schmitt Architects

A six-storey pavilion with a dramatic 12-metre-long cantilever houses a 225-seat lecture theatre and a double-height reception hall with a green roof. The slope of the cantilever creates tiered seating for the theatre and forms the canopy over the main entrance to the building. The pavilion creates a terminus to the campus Grand Allée and maximizes the view corridor with extensive glazing in the reception hall. Dramatic views are afforded of the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill from the tower.

University of Ottawa / KWC Architects + Diamond Schmitt Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows
Courtesy of Diamond Schmitt Architects

The massing and materials of the building are responsive to the varied conditions around the site with podia and pre-cast panels that emphasize the horizontal at the base of the building. The curtain wall of the tower is designed to minimize its mass and consists of a mix of transparent, translucent and solid panels to address differing interior requirements. For natural light, a curved glass prow on the ‘flatiron’ form announces a new gateway to the Rideau Canal and the neighbourhood across the water.

University of Ottawa / KWC Architects + Diamond Schmitt Architects - Image 11 of 41
Courtesy of Diamond Schmitt Architects

A signature feature of the LEED Gold candidate building’s sustainable mandate is a six-storey-high biofilter living wall – the tallest in North America. Diamond Schmitt Architects pioneered the commercial application of this energy-efficient air purifying process developed by Nedlaw Living Walls nearly a decade ago.

University of Ottawa / KWC Architects + Diamond Schmitt Architects - Image 18 of 41
Courtesy of Diamond Schmitt Architects

Diamond Schmitt Architects (www.dsai.ca) is recognized for sustainable design expertise in academic and research buildings, healthcare facilities, the performing arts, residential and commercial properties.

University of Ottawa / KWC Architects + Diamond Schmitt Architects - Image 40 of 41
Detail

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "University of Ottawa / KWC Architects + Diamond Schmitt Architects" 13 Jul 2013. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/399139/university-of-ottawa-kwc-architects-diamond-schmitt-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.