The Essex Centre of Research (CORe) at the University of Windsor brings together science, research, and industry collaboration within a purpose-built research hub in Windsor, ON.
Challenge
Creating a collaborative research environment required a facility that could accommodate diverse scientific disciplines while supporting the specialized technical requirements of advanced laboratory spaces. Flexible, highly functional research environments were essential to meet evolving research needs and encourage interaction between academia and industry.
Solution
Designed in association with Hariri Pontarini Architects as part of the Amico Affiliates-led consortium, the facility combines large laboratory floor plates with collaborative spaces that place scientific research within a welcoming collegiate setting. Specialized facilities include the Materials Chemistry Research Facility, Translational Research Lab, Molecular and Cellular Diagnosis Suite, Proteomics Suite, Imaging and Flow Cytometry Suite, Wet Lab Suites, and Instrumentation Space. Structural systems were designed to mitigate vibration and support sensitive laboratory equipment.
Outcome
The Centre’s comprehensive research environment supports interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific discovery. By bringing research functions together under one roof, the facility advances the University’s position as a centre of excellence in science and research.
To accommodate critical mechanical and electrical infrastructure, the project required underpinning an adjacent building and excavating a new basement.
Large, unobstructed laboratory floor plates were designed to provide maximum flexibility as research needs and scientific technologies continue to evolve.
As part of a Design Build Consortium led by Amico Affiliates (Constructors), NORR in association with Hariri Pontarini Architects (HPA), worked collaboratively to realize the University of Windsor’s vision of merging science and research into a collaborative, innovative space where industry and academia work together. The Essex Centre of Research (CORe) is a new three-story building unifying multi-functional research area into a comprehensive hub where ‘ lab’ and ‘collab’ exist together to create the required synergy for scientific research. The dense work of science is displayed and set within a welcoming, collegiate and natural environment of the University. The Centre’s lab spaces were designed to feature large, highly functional and unobstructed floor plates to create flexible and open working areas.
From a structural engineering perspective, NORR designed a scheme for underpinning the foundations of an existing building to allow for safe excavation to install a new basement, which houses mechanical and electrical rooms. As well, design of a new utilities tunnel connected the new basement to an existing tunnel.
NORR’s design incorporated concrete slabs and beams for strength and serviceability requirements to mitigate vibrations to suit laboratory equipment.
Functional areas of the Centre include the Materials Chemistry Research Facility, Windsor Health Research Group (WHRG): Translational Research Lab, Molecular and Cellular Diagnosis Suite, Proteomics Suite, Imaging and Flow Cytometry Suite along with Wet Lab Suites and an Instrumentation Space, all dedicated to strengthening the University’s focus on health and research.
NORR and HPA partnership proved to be a success. Working closely, to understand the University’s vision along with the day-to-day requirements, procedures and needs was an exciting dialogue resulting in an exceptional facility advancing the University’s stature of a center of excellence in Science and Research.