Okanagan College Centre for Learning

The Okanagan College Centre for Learning is a 6,852m2 addition to the existing college library located in Kelowna, British Columbia. The new five-storey interdisciplinary facility is connected to the existing building with a three story light filled atrium. The primary gathering space is characterized by pedestrian street which stretches along the entire east/west axis. This space has been conceived of as an agora which effectively binds the old to new, links the indoor and outdoor spaces, and creates a centralized meeting space which encourages academic and social interaction.

The Centre for Dialogue is the focal sculptural element elevated within the main atrium. The circular room is constructed of local wood and is designed to reflect the basket art of the indigenous people of the region which encourages the traditional learning circle concept of education. This is consistent with the overall mandate of the learning centres initiatives to encourage the open exchange of ideas and the development and application of critical thinking skills. The entire facility offers a variety of components to educate visitors about the buildings mechanical systems and the overarching principles of sustainability and the buildings relationship to environment.

LEED Gold Certified / Image courtesy B+H Architects