Allard Hall, Level 5 Development
Edmonton, AlbertaThe Allard Hall Level 5 Development transformed an entire academic floor within MacEwan University into a high-performance teaching and laboratory environment. The project involved the comprehensive fit up of approximately 5,500 m², introducing new science laboratories, instructional spaces, learning labs, offices, and student support areas within an existing building framework to create a new home for the School of Continuing Education.
The fifth floor was reconfigured to accommodate chemistry, biology, and physics laboratories, each designed with specialized layouts, dedicated services, and robust safety infrastructure. New lab environments include fume hoods, stainless steel ducting, chemical storage, laboratory benching with integrated services and sinks, emergency shower facilities, and chemical-resistant finishes suitable for heavy academic use. Spaces were planned to support hands-on instruction while maintaining clear circulation and functional adjacencies between labs, prep areas, and classrooms.
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Complex building systems were upgraded and rerouted to support the increased technical demands of modern instructional labs. Mechanical systems were integrated within a crowded ceiling plenum, requiring selective relocation of existing services and precise coordination to accommodate new exhaust, fire protection, and ventilation components. Electrical and data distribution was upgraded to support contemporary teaching technology and laboratory equipment.
The Development also introduced new classrooms, learning labs, office areas, washrooms, and shared student spaces, creating a cohesive academic floor capable of supporting multiple disciplines. A new internal stair was inserted within the existing atrium, enhancing vertical connectivity and pedestrian flow between levels while becoming a defining architectural element of the project.
Design strategies emphasized durability, adaptability, and long-term use. Materials were selected to align to University standards and for resilience in high-traffic academic settings, while laboratory layouts allow for future adjustments as teaching methods and curriculum evolve. Barrier-free access was incorporated into lab spaces, supporting inclusive learning environments.
Delivered within an active post-secondary campus, the Allard Hall Level 5 Development transformed the top floor of a new academic building while significantly increasing its functional capacity. The completed floor supports MacEwan University’s science and teaching programs for the School of Continuing Education with contemporary facilities tailored to current technical, safety, and instructional standards.