Location: Vancouver, B.C.
Architects: Design and Technical: Teeple Architects Inc. 
Local/Executive: Proscenium Architecture + Interiors Inc.
Date of Completion: 2016

OAA Design Excellence Awards Finalist

Langara College mandated three core aims for its Science and Technology Building: create a gateway into the campus, establish the college’s first consolidated home for its science programs and centralize the location for student services. Science labs and classrooms are located on upper three levels, while the lower levels consolidate student services at the campus’ main entry.

Site plan.
Drawings Credit: Teeple Architects Inc., Design and Technical Architect

^{Plans.
Drawings Credit: Teeple Architects Inc., Design and Technical Architect}

^{Section drawings.
Drawings Credit: Teeple Architects Inc., Design and Technical Architect}

^{Oculus detail.
Drawings Credit: Teeple Architects Inc., Design and Technical Architect}

The cantilever frame accommodates the large program on a limited footprint. An oculus punctures the cantilever, which dramatically wraps a multi-storey student lounge directly connected to the main entrance. The custom louvre system on the upper storeys choreographs the views to the campus and distant mountains while maximizing natural light. The building conscientiously integrates indoor and outdoor circulation, fostering connections between students, staff and programs. 

^{Three storey oculus.
Photo Credit: Andrew Latreille}

^{Atrium with One-Stop-Shop Student Services Centre.
Photo Credit: Andrew Latreille}

^{Multistorey lightwell with reading pods.
Photo Credit: Andrew Latreille}

The building is certified Gold under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, with a high-performance envelope and installation of Thermenex-In-A-Box—an innovative, locally designed mechanical system that carries energy redistribution further than traditional heat recovery. The natural stack effect ventilation in the six-storey lightwell further reduces the reliance on the mechanical systems. 

^{East elevation.
Photo Credit: Andrew Latreille}

Sculpture wall- The cost-effective, thermally broken, high-performance envelope is enhanced by a custom louvre system that unifies the upper levels as an attractive singular, sculptural volume.  
Photo Credit: Andrew Latreille

Langara’s Master Plan transforms the commuter campus to a vibrant, sustainable indoor-outdoor learning environment. The project is Phase Three in the implementation, transforming the campus’ image with a prominent public face. The project represents the innovative response to context with art forms and client’s goals. Semper’s theories of art form and core form are displayed in the structural bravado of the building. Solving complicated spatial challenges while drawing students together in inspiring shared spaces presents an exciting image of the College’s vision.