Durham College Suswaaning Endaajig First Peoples Indigenous Centre

Using a design-build project delivery model, Eastern constructed the newest addition to the Durham College campus, know as the Suswaaning Endaajig - First Peoples Indigenous Centre. Valued at $29.6 Million, the CFCE represents a new direction for the campus, changing the way the College community and public relate and engage with the campus. Originally conceived as a LEED Silver project, the CFCE was certified LEED Gold.

The mixed-use facility highlights the multi-dimensional nature of the College. Components such as the Spa Suite and Patient-Care Laboratories are aimed at furthering patient-centered, inter-professional healthcare. Accelerator spaces create a hive-like atmosphere geared towards furthering invention, engaging industry, and market innovations. The Centre for Success nurtures future post-secondary students. The Suswaaning Endaajig - First Peoples Indigenous Centre components offer purposedesigned spaces that accommodate cultural practices in an inclusive environment. All these components are complemented by the GlobalClassroom, shared teaching and maker spaces and, importantly, food and social areas.

Features highlighted in the CFCE include a large video wall comprised of 104 display tiles, 23-foot high atrium space with living wall (vegetation donated by Eastern), and a Medicine Wheel ceiling treatment pointing to True North, situated within Indigenous Space. Under the direction of Montgomery Sisam + Architecture Counsel, the design for the CFCE was born from a collaborative design process engaging Education Stakeholders, College Administration, and User Groups to encompass:

• Technology enriched teaching + learning environment to suit a variety of learners and teachers as well as current and future pedagogy
• Opportunities to showcase student work, innovations, applied partnerships and applied research.
• Study and other spaces that reflect a place for collaboration and promote social synergy
• Adaptability and flexibility / movable sound-attenuated walls
• Concentration of resources, including student + staff amenities

Highlights

• Challenging Urban Site
• Heritage Redevelopment
• New Building Integration
• Uninterrupted Operation
• High-level of Finishes
• Renovation & Addition
• Offices, student services, academic spaces, storage, large double gymnasium with bleachers & viewing areas; changerooms, lecture room, and back of house support spaces
• Municipal Net Zero Building Standards + adhering to requirements of CaGBC’s Zero Carbon Building Design Standard Version 3.