Diamond and Schmitt Architects, whose portfolio includes major design projects for 17 academic libraries, the Banff Centre and prestigious projects in Toronto, Jerusalem, Detroit, and New York, have been awarded the contract for the design of the House of Learning at the Kamloops campus of Thompson Rivers University.
The Toronoto based Diamond and Schmitt will partner with David Nairne and Associatesof Vancouver and Prince Rupert on the project, a firm that is well recognized in the province for its award winning planning and design work with First Nations communities.
In making the announcement, TRU President Roger Barnsley said, “Not only will this project add another signature building to grace our campus, it’s an opportunity to create a new space that embodies so many of our strategic goals; to be the university of choice for student success, environmental sustainability, for Aboriginals and First Nations and to showcase the amazing potential of our campus with the creative excellence of our programming.”
Ron Oylynk, chair of the university’s Board of Governors said the choice of Diamond and Schmitt was unanimous, “Don Schmitt’s vision for the House of Learning was energizing ” a vibrant addition to campus that will inspire learning, research and collaboration while complementing the beauty of our campus and recognizing the importance of First Nations culture to our community.”
Diamond and Schmitt Architects have received numerous national and international design awards including six Governor General’s awards for architecture. Notable projects include the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, Donald Cameron Hall at the Banff Centre and campus master plans for University College, Oxford, England and New Brunswick’s Mount Allison University. “We are thrilled to have been selected for this project and are impressed with the board’s vision and by the scale of buildings already on campus,” said Don Schmitt. “We are excited to design a building for TRU’s diverse student groups and its range of programs.”
In April of 2008, the BC Government announced it would provide $18 million in funding towards the approximately $32 million needed for the 63,000 sq feet project. Expected to be complete by the fall of 2010, the fast tracked project will incorporate a new library, learning commons, and space for Aboriginal programs and services.
In addition to providing expanded library, study and learning space, the House of Learning will also include a tiered lecture theatre, and various dedicated spaces. It will also be the first TRU facility to be LEED Gold Certified.
Click here to view a pdf of the architect’s presentation.
Contact:
- Josh Keller, Director Marketing & Communications, (p)250.828.5008
