The multi-award-winning Science & Technology Building creates the first consolidated home for Langara College’s Science & Health Science programs. The building’s bold cantilevered form both creates an iconic gateway into the college’s Vancouver main campus and allowed the accommodation of a large program on a severely constrained site.
Programs from the Division of Science & Math – including chemistry, biology, physics/astronomy, computer science and information systems – and Division of Health Sciences – including nursing and kinesiology – occupy the upper three levels, while the lower levels consolidate essential student services and event space at the main entry to the campus. Both wet and dry lab spaces were designed to match UBC standards to effectively support degree transfer programs, and are configured to advance the principles of active learning pedagogies. Collaborative spaces permeate all levels to provide visual interconnectivity through different program zones and facilitate community building and interdisciplinary mingling. The building is linked together by an intuitive network of highly visible circulation spaces, interwoven with a wide variety of informal collaboration spaces, actively encouraging interdisciplinary exchange among students and faculty.
Advancing the College’s sustainability goals the LEED Gold certified, Canadian Green Building (SAB) Award-winning design employs a high-performance building envelope with a sculptural yet cost-effective custom louver shading system, efficient building systems, naturally assisted ventilation and lighting, and prefabricated energy management. Additional sustainable design features include low flow fume hoods with adjustable sashes, local and low-VOC materials, reflective roofs, and preparation for rooftop solar (which has been installed since the completion of construction). Modelling projected 63% energy savings and 46% energy cost savings compared to the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 reference building. At a cost of approximately $280/s.f., the showpiece facility was achieved through innovative and careful detailing and close collaboration with the client, construction manager and various building trades.
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