Location: Ivey Business School, Western University, London, ON
Architects: Hariri Pontarini Architects
Date of completion: 2014
OAA Awards 2016 Design Excellence Winner
Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Design Excellence in Architecture 2015
Nominated by Hon. Deb Mathews, MPP (London North Centre) for World Architecture Day

Providing a modern take on the traditional collegiate quadrangle, the Richard Ivey Building in London, Ontario, is an elegant and timeless addition to Western University’s campus which carefully balances a respect for the campus’s original architecture with the needs of a contemporary learning institution. Every aspect of the building, from its massing to its material palette, highlights exceptional attention to detail and craft, and a concern to produce a uniquely Ontario building which could become an icon for the Ivey Business School.

Photo Credit: Ben Rahn / A-Frame

Respecting Western University’s traditional Neo-Gothic architecture, the three storeys, 274,000 square foot building is organized around a self-contained, central courtyard – a common feature in traditional Oxford-style academic architecture. The quadrangle layout also addresses contemporary sustainability concerns, maximizing natural light -75% of spaces are day lit – and collecting rainwater in an elegant reflecting pool. The solid masonry on the exterior further echoes the materiality of the university’s original buildings. The building uses 330 cubic metres of Algonquin limestone, 37 cubic metres of flagstone, and 227 cubic metres of rubble stone, all locally sourced and cut from a quarry in Wiarton, Ontario. Other materials – such as walnut, copper, and Douglas fir – were selected for their warmth and timelessness.

Ground Floor Plan courtesy of Hariri Pontarini Architects

At the ground floor, the perimeter is made up of 20 Ivey case classrooms, reflecting the school’s unique case method pedagogy. Dating back to the first graduating class in 1923, the school’s case method learning encourages active conversation rather than lecturing through the use of decision-forcing cases that put students in the role of decision makers. The shape, sightlines and layout of these 80 to 50 seat classrooms have all been carefully designed to support this pedagogical approach. The rooms also feature abundant natural light and outward views, fundamental to a learning space being inviting and inspiring.

Photo Credit: Nikolas Koenig

Built to support the school’s unique academic programs, the new Richard Ivey building is an integral part of the school’s strategy to remain globally competitive. The building’s timeless design provides a perfect bridge between the university’s long established traditions and it’s exciting, vibrant future, creating an energetic, unified community that can attract the best students and faculty, express Ivey Business School’s identity, and celebrate Western University’s history.