St. Lawrence College, Blue Wing Replacement
Kingston, Ontario
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Student Commons, School of Applied Arts and Technology, Skilled Trades Workshops (Carpentry, Welding, Machine Shop, Metallurgy, Masonry), Virtual Reality Room, Applied Science Labs (Robotics, Computer Labs, Shared Classrooms), School of Hospitality (Teaching Kitchen, Restaurant, Hairstyling Studios, Esthetics Labs)
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Structural: Blackwell
Mechanical / Electrical: MCW
Civil: Josselyn Engineering
Landscape: MJMA
The new Blue Wing at St. Lawrence College brings together Skilled Trades, Applied Science, Culinary, and Esthetics programs while completing a ring of buildings that forms the heart of the college’s Kingston campus. It replaces an end-of-life facility — one that lacks pedestrian-friendly and clear planning. The new building places learning on display, with massing, materials, and circulation that also create a more collegial campus feeling.
A material palette combination of robust and industrial materials with refined finishes defines the teaching spaces. Materials and graphics at strategic locations reinforce the identity of each program. The facility has also been designed for maximized accessibility and inclusivity, with clear sightlines, proper acoustic separation between labs (an important consideration for trades programs), and contrasting materials to define key entrances. Designed to achieve Zero Carbon Building certification, the project incorporates a geothermal loop system for heating and cooling as well as rooftop solar arrays. The landscape design manages stormwater, with plantings that re-naturalize spaces surrounding the building and create comfortable groves where students can relax. It includes an Indigenous teaching circle for hosting both ceremonial and informal events.
While the original blue wing is located at the periphery of campus, with no recognizable main entry, the new facility creates clear entrances, establishing a gateway. A forecourt on King Street, the main road south of the college, offers direct access to multiple transit routes. The building is also fronted here by the culinary school, displaying its activity to engage the street.
Facing the courtyard is a three-storey Teaching Tower, a space designed with features like open servicing ‘trenches’ that allow students to learn how to install multi-floor building systems, such as plumbing and HVAC.
The planning focuses on collaboration between students and programs. Double-height garage doors make student work visible and create easy access for forklifts, utility vehicles, and other large equipment.
An interior street runs through the building, leading people further into campus. At the centre of the facility is a multi-purpose assembly hall, lounge, and bistro. This social heart space has a warm, wood-lined ceiling and large clerestory windows that allow diffused natural light to pour in.
