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Roofline at Thompson Rivers University directly inspired by local mountains
A close collaboration between Diamond and Schmitt Architects and Stantec is soon to produce the first new law school in Canada in 30 years. Designed for the Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia, the Main Hall scheme looks to revitalise an existing building in the centre of the campus, expanding the current learning space by 40,000 sq ft.
Drawing inspiration directly from the heaving mountain ridges that surround the university site, the roofline will rise and fall across the re-envisioned facility in a reflection of the natural peaks. The architects also took reference from a painting by A.Y. Jackson of the artist collective the Group of Seven (in a collection at the Kamloops Art Gallery) entitled ‘Mount Paul’.
Donald Schmitt, principal at Diamond and Schmitt Architects explains: “Our design for the law school is shaped by the topography of Mount Peter and Mount Paul, sacred ground for First Nations seen from the site.” This point was furthered by TRU President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Alan Shaver who commented: “I think the concept that has been developed is certainly imaginative and is in harmony with the location. It will serve as a striking home for Canada’s newest law school.”
Large sections of the project will be constructed offsite in order to minimise disruption to continuing students, with work due to begin on campus in spring 2012. The $20m scheme is to be funded through public-private fundraising.
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