OVERVIEW
BCIT Project Services solicited consultant proposals in early spring 2019, for the design of three-24 seat computer teaching labs with student amenity space and administrative offices to support BCIT School of Business Digital Arts programs and the CAGP team was successful. The 550gsm (5,900gsf) site is the existing, c. 1990 two-storey, concrete frame Centre for Applied Research & Innovation (CARI) Building, across from BCIT’s main Burnaby Campus. The previous 2nd floor open, office space offers an unusual triangulated floor-plate with constrained access allowing just enough space for the 3 labs and adequate circulation space for class changes. To comply with current Building Code and BCIT’s mandate for ‘gender neutral’ facilities, existing washrooms had to be expanded within the existing core, which proved challenging with the concrete structure, as did the integration of substantial new IT and AV infrastructure. A key feature of the design is the central circulation corridor with windows allowing views into labs and perimeter windows beyond as well as natural light penetration. The project was delivered within a very tight design and construction schedule with move-in firmly set for start of classes, January, 2020 – which was achieved. Construction Cost with FF&E, $1.1M, 2020.
