Simon Fraser University Saywell Hall and Blusson Hall at The Arts and Social Sciences Complex, with Busby Perkins+Will; also Stantec Engineering; Fast + Epp Structural Engineers; Acumen Engineering; Phillip Farevaag Smallenberg; Trow Associates; BTY Group

photo by Enrico Dagostini

    
photo by Nic Lehoux                    photo by Enrico Dagostini

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Simon Fraser University Arts & Social Sciences Complex (ASSC) consists of Saywell Hall, completed in 2007, and Blusson Hall, completed in 2008.

The ASSC was designed to encourage interdisciplinary work and interconnectedness among existing departments; establish space and visibility for the new Faculty of Health Sciences; serve as the gateway into campus; and demonstrate environmentally responsible design.

The two halls are C-shaped buildings that bookend each other, forming a large, landscaped courtyard in the center of the complex, fostering interaction among faculties, students and staff.

The design follows many of Erickson Massey’s founding principles, including use of repetitive elements, landscaped courtyards, concourses and public promenades, narrow floor plates for daylight and natural ventilation, and materials such as concrete, wood and glass, linking the outdoors and indoors.

Several avenues for generating funds for the project were explored including opportunities for area or room dedications to benefactors.

Sustainable strategies included daylighting and solar shading of interior spaces. The focus was also on infusing sustain¬able mechanical measures to increase building comfort; synergistic systems of heat recovery between spaces, including wet and dry laboratories; and relief air from offices to laboratories to ensure comfortable working, studying and socializing spaces.

“We are delighted with the result,” says Lee Gavel, university architect. “Simple lines and the use of an uncluttered architectural vocabulary create a sense of calm,” he adds.

The jury said, “ . . . best architecture, clearest planning and landscape, completely integrated, logical, . . . gives opportunity to reference mid century modern architectural context and reflect how we value that generation of architecture and institution . . .”

Project Team: Simon Fraser University with Busby Perkins+Will; also Stantec Engineering; Fast + Epp Structural Engineers; Acumen Engineering; Phillip Farevaag Smallenberg; Trow Associates; BTY Group