Site
The site for the 2018 Challenge was the Burnaby BCIT campus. The campus is within the traditional and un-ceded territories of the Coast Salish Nations of Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish Nations. The campus is also situated within the Still Creek-Brunette River Drainage Basin and Guichon Creek runs in a culvert under the building site. The site itself was, at the time of the Challenge event, mostly a parking lot. The NE-16 building is situated to the south of the site, with a “Ford Center” located on part of the proposed area where Guichon Creek will eventually be daylighted. The plan at the time of the event was to demolish the “Ford Center” and its footprint would be an area where the creek could be opened and restored.
Fictional Scenario
Students were tasked with providing a conceptual design and plan for the proposed Center for Ecological Restoration & Climate Adaptation (CERCA) paired with daylighting a segment of Guichon Creek. CERCA is a new building that is proposed as part of BCIT’s 5-Year-Capital Plan, slated for construction starting in 2020. CERCA will also feature a space to support Indigenous Learners in the field Environmental Stewardship and other related disciplines. The construction of this building will be paired with daylighting a segment of Guichon Creek, which runs below ground in a culvert along the west side of the proposed site. Daylighting Guichon Creek is a commitment by Kathy Kinloch, BCIT President.
Field Experience
Students consulted with a series of mentors on the Burnaby BCIT Campus during the field day. Each team had the opportunity to present and discuss their ideas with subject matter experts BCIT and industry. Teams discussed site plans based on what would be feasible and appropriate within the site and larger campus area. Project goals were to:
- Showcase the unique concept of the Centre for Ecological Restoration and Climate Adaptation with strong identity and sense of place.
- Create an attractive building which relates to Guichon Creek and traditional indigenous landscapes.
- Provide a modern building with functional & flexible learning spaces for 21st century learning.
- Ensure a sustainable building that incorporates energy efficient building systems.
- Support the BCIT Burnaby Campus Plan with pedestrian friendly elevations especially along Goard Way.
- Incorporate Indigenous design features through meaningful inclusion and engagement.
- Include an office & meeting space for indigenous learners and program development catering to affiliate programs.
- Design a building with viable capital and operating budgets.
- Support daylighting and restoring a segment of Guichon Creek.
- Incorporate stormwater management that mimics natural water movement on the landscape.
- Ensure project was economically viable and capable of implementing construction in two phases.
Each team received resources and support for equipment and media such as Digital GIS Data, Reports & Maps, and Computer Lab and Technical Support. They were also provided compensation for travel and catered meals were brought to the field.
Awards Gala Presentations
The final building and site plan for CERCA was presented to a panel of judges in the form of a 15- to 20-minute oral presentation. Students were evaluated based on innovation and creativity, feasibility, and synergy of team skills. Presentations and dinner were held at the Awards Night Gala at the Hart House in Burnaby.