University of Guelph Albert Thornbrough Engineering Building | Guelph, ON

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Program
Academic
Client
University of Guelph
Location
Guelph, ON
Status
Complete
Partnering Architects
N/A
Year
2000

This award-winning Information Technology centre houses an increased student enrollment from the Engineering and Computer Science facilities at the University of Guelph. The centre links the two existing structures, forming two public courtyard spaces on the Guelph campus. The result is that the existing Thornbrough building, the new facility and the Richards building are transformed into a computer laboratory complex, creating an interconnected precinct of engineering and computing facilities.

Located at the intersection of the two major campus thoroughfares the facility creates significant new urban spaces for the campus—a student piazza, as well as quiet green spaces between buildings. Sustainable design features include sun shading, under-floor duct plenums—also used for computer wiring—an exposed interior structure, translucent glazing, natural finish materials and innovative green mechanical systems.

AWARDS

Governor General’s Medal in Architecture
Canadian Architect Award of Excellence