Location
  • North Vancouver, BC
Client
  • Capilano University
Completion
2020
Size
  • 1,008 sq m
  • 10,850 sq ft
Collaborators
  • Coastal Integrated Solutions
  • Turner Construction
  • WSP
DIALOG Services
  • Interior Design
  • Mechanical Engineering
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Capilano University wanted to create something special with its new urban campus, known as CapU Lonsdale. The space had to support a progressive learning environment; be flexible and multi-functional; and be accessible to and a part of the local community. It also had to create its own unique identity while still connecting back to the main campus. A discovery and analysis process gave rise to a novel concept that would bridge the two locations: if the Lonsdale campus wasn’t going to be in the forest, why not bring the forest into the space? The Interior Design team chose to do that by exploring the metaphorical connection and experiences between a journey through education and an adventure in the nearby forest.

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Visitors to the CapU Lonsdale campus are introduced to the design concept as soon as they enter the space. The grey carpet symbolizes a path well-travelled, while the green is nature untouched.
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A territorial acknowledgement beside the welcome desk recognizes the fact that the campus is on First Nations land.
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Support spaces such as the welcome desk and administration offices – the ‘trail head’ – and the Center for Student Success – the ‘lookout’ – are easy to find.
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Overhead, large wooden ‘leaves’ form the tree canopy, suspended from the ceiling guide people along the path. ‘Bird’ lights swoop playfully in and out of the canopy.
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Offices and meeting rooms are located near the main entryway, in the main concourse of the space.
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There are a number of open workspace and collaboration areas throughout the space.
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CapU decided to go with gender neutral washrooms for the Lonsdale campus.
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DIALOG was involved in designing the signage and wayfindings, as well as the washrooms themselves.
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The ‘waterfall bar’, clad in local stone and textured glass, sits at the end of the journey through the space and reflects falling water.
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At the base of the waterfall bar are collaboration and study tables stained to emulate moss after a West Coast winter. Red highlights, reminiscent of classic enamel camping equipment, are integrated.
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The ‘longhouse’, inspired by a backcountry hut, features faculty / student and multi-purpose rooms as well as two formal boardrooms that can be opened into a single environment.
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The longhouse offers shelter to those who need it, as well as spectacular views to the Vancouver harbour.
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In the ‘forest clearing’, the two largest classrooms can be converted into a conference room or event space.

Meet The Team

CapU Lonsdale Presentation After Plan Final

The design story 01

The CapU Lonsdale floorplan shows how the space illustrates the concept of a journey through the forest.

Awards

2021 VODA - Merit, Innovation in Institutional/Educational/Civic Design, Interior Designers of Canada

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