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The primary objective for Georgian College was to consolidate existing disconnected private and shared faculty workspaces into a new functional work environment for the faculty team, that promotes and supports a hybrid campus environment. The spatial redevelopment provides for faculty workspace, small rooms to meet with students online or in person, a reception area and drop-in area.
A comprehensive faculty engagement process was requested prior to the commencement of the project. The space has a number of faculty operational functions where a range of administrators, teaching staff and remote workers congregate to achieve their roles. In evolving office environment, the College had identified that the spaces in the block could see better use of space with some areas being used more for storage than faculty workers and address the new way staff had started to work, with less time in the office and more time from home. As an integral component to optimizing the space, engaging with the faculty to understand their ongoing needs, their frequency and the workstations they needed to perform their tasks was needed. The space also includes meeting spaces for students to talk with tutors, so drop-in privacy space was also a requirement of the new layout.
Maintenance requirements for this block had been deferred to coincide with this project renovation and upgrades to existing electrical systems were made during the construction of the new working environment.
The Faculty Space serves a wide array of departmental needs, providing a dedicated environment for faculty to work, collaborate, and recharge between classes. The newly renovated facility exemplifies Georgian College’s innovative approach to faculty spaces, organized into three distinct zones: Welcome, Interaction, and Work. This design framework was realized by Salter Pilon Architecture, which created three versatile and functional areas: a reception area, bookable meeting rooms designed for student and colleague interactions, and an open workspace. The open workspace features unassigned workstations, designated program coordinator desks, freestanding privacy pods for breakout meetings or phone calls, and a coffee bar/lounge that functions as an informal social space.
Noteworthy design elements include sit-stand desks throughout, a variety of storage solutions, including personal lockers and departmental cabinets for shared resources, and upholstered booth seating that provides instructors with a comfortable space for grading while also serving as an impromptu meeting area.
The selection of interior finishes reflects Georgian College’s well-established Interior Design Standards. For durability and visual appeal, wood-look LVT was used in high-traffic areas such as the reception, infusing the space with a natural warmth. In contrast, modular carpet tiles were chosen for the Work zone to enhance acoustic comfort and clearly delineate the zone. The overall design approach is refined and thoughtful, reflecting the sensibilities of the faculty. Warm walnut tones provide depth and contrast against the crisp white walls, while accents of charcoal and navy introduce visual interest and help distinguish the different zones. In the Welcome zone, materials such as quartz resembling concrete, walnut wood tambour panels, and a feature wallpaper design invite students into the space, creating a welcoming and thoughtfully designed interior.
The completed space presents an opportunity for the College to effectively expand its pilot program to additional departments and campuses. The versatility and functionality of the space not only supports the current needs of faculty but also provide a scalable solution for future growth and adaptation across various departments and locations.
