Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver opens its new campus on September 5, 2017. The move saw 92-year-old institution relocate to the east side of downtown Vancouver ? from Granville Island ? to a purpose-built facility designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects.
This 26,700-square-metre (290,000 sf) landmark building anchors the regeneration of an industrial zone and is a catalyst for its redevelopment and connection with the city. To engage the community of this emerging cultural and academic precinct, the campus has an open and accessible design that welcomes the public into the creative processes on display.
Wilson Arts Plaza SE entrance. Photo courtesy Emily Carr University
?The building?s design creates a multitude of places both indoors and out for informal gathering, presentation, making and remaking, which is at the heart of Emily Carr?s multidisciplinary arts learning,? said Donald Schmitt, Principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects. ?The needs and collaborative spirit of students and faculty inform the fundamental principles of the architecture.? Composed as a sequence of interconnected program areas, the building is linked by light-filled atria that create nodes of visual connection, transparency and social interaction. In this dynamic spatial environment, there is constant exposure to the full range of multidisciplinary activity and the environments in which they are produced. Wall space dedicated for the display of art and areas configured for impromptu pe...