New $15 million Niagara College
Welland Campus student commons
reflects collaboration and cohesion
PHOTO BY NOAH CHASE
GTA Construction Report special feature
The new $15 million Niagara Col-
lege Welland Campus student com-
mons is a model of efficiency and
success, providing cohesion for a
campus that has evolved slowly
over time.
The project, a two-storey addi-
tion and renovation to the college’s
Simcoe building, includes more than
33,000 sq. ft. of newly built space
and 600 sq. ft. of renovations.
Gow Hastings Architects de-
signed the project, with GS Wark
overseeing construction and UEM
Consulting serving as project man-
ager. The new space includes six food
vendors, seating for 450 people,
and student collaborative and study
areas. PAGE 8 – NOVEMBER 2018 – The GTA Construction Report
College students were wel-
comed to the new Student Com-
mons with a cake and coffee
giveaway, and an inside look at the
new facility, which also includes an
innovative video wall and a small
green-roof. A unique 1,300 sq. ft.
student activity room includes glass
pivot doors, and a standalone sound
and projection system.
GS Wark vice-president John
Morrone says his general contract-
ing team had responsibility for the
project’s management, procure-
ment and organization.
Among the challenges: Maintain-
ing full functionality of the college
for staff and students while work
was ongoing.
Part of this challenge, according
to Gow Hastings’ designer Hugo
Martins, was that the addition con-
nects three buildings built over a
span of 50 years.
“There have been many iterations
of evolution of the Welland Campus
and while there has been a con-
certed effort to connect separate
buildings via internal corridors, the
space appeared incremental in na-
ture, disjointed with a lack of clear
circulation wayfinding and access to
important services,” he said. “The
new space seamlessly connects to
the existing corridor system of the
college to make this a true hub of
activity.” The student commons includes a
new centrally located social hub in
the heart of campus; with study
areas, places to relax, prayer rooms
and other support services. “There
is a food court and cafeteria with di-
rect links to nearby student ser-