Learning Resources

Abstract: Existing buildings are a tremendous untapped resource in climate action—reusing an existing building offers substantial carbon savings in the critical near term, which is the timeframe that matters as we look to stay within the Paris Agreement’s critical carbon budget. Read about two renovations that substantially reduced emissions while preserving campus character.

Abstract: A mid-century campus confronted issues of aging infrastructure and tectonic shifts in pedagogy by implementing a comprehensive modernization plan focused on enhancing the student experience. Working with a limited budget, Laurentian University managed to transform its facilities through selective revitalization of nine buildings and some discerning construction to create a new identity, greater connectivity, and a new campus heart to support student interaction and engagement. The creative impetus stemmed from a holistic approach to rejuvenation rather than straightforward expansion—of choosing to build in, not out. This architectural response will enable the university to plan for the next 50 years with consistency and design continuity.