Project Facts
Client
Western University
Location
London, ON
Status
Completed 2013
Size
274,000 Sq. Ft.
Partner
The vision for the Richard Ivey Building in London, Ontario, was to create a vibrant, unified campus that attracts the best students and faculty, expresses Richard Ivey School of Business' global identity, and celebrates Western University’s history.
Arranged around a central, landscaped quadrangle, all spaces encourage the formal and informal collaboration vital to the formation of lifelong networks. A full height Great Hall anchors the main circulation, with the dining hall, library and amphitheatre extending into the surrounding landscape as distinct pavilions. Designing from the inside out, HPA created spaces that support Ivey’s unique case-based and team learning pedagogy. The research-based design process involved numerous workshops and a survey of 60 top business schools. Special attention was paid to the proportions and design of the 20 case study classrooms, their tiered horseshoe seating configured to encourage exchange. Breakout rooms and built-in benches in the corridors facilitate the continuation of conversation.
The design supports the School’s vision through its form, massing, and materiality. Achieved on an aggressive project schedule, the Richard Ivey building is a beacon of the school’s flagship status.
Project Facts
Client
Western University
Location
London, ON
Status
Completed 2013
Size
274,000 Sq. Ft.
Partner
Select Awards
2016 – Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award
2016 – AIA/CAE AIA/CAE Educational Facility Design Award of Excellence
2016 – Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Design Excellence in Architecture
A concept sketch by Siamak Hariri emulates a crystallized stone.
A concept sketch by Siamak Hariri emulates a crystallized stone.
The siting of Ivey at an important intersection sets the stage for Western University’s expansion between the main campus and the outlying colleges. The site plan enhances the pivotal role that the experience of the landscape plays in the programmatic life of the School, and reinforces Western’s brand as an urban university in a verdant and walkable campus.
The siting of Ivey at an important intersection sets the stage for Western University’s expansion between the main campus and the outlying colleges. The site plan enhances the pivotal role that the experience of the landscape plays in the programmatic life of the School, and reinforces Western’s brand as an urban university in a verdant and walkable campus.
A contemporary interpretation of the collegiate quadrangle layout, the three-storey, 274,000 square foot building is organized around a self-contained, central courtyard.
A contemporary interpretation of the collegiate quadrangle layout, the three-storey, 274,000 square foot building is organized around a self-contained, central courtyard.
The courtyard brings light and activity to the centre of the building and connects directly into a full-height Grand Hall, designed to be the heart of the School.
The courtyard brings light and activity to the centre of the building and connects directly into a full-height Grand Hall, designed to be the heart of the School.
What Siamak had done, he had been able to interpret our design brief into reality for us: a vision, a feeling, an excitement around what this building could be and it truly is an iconic building.”
—Carol Stephenson, Former Dean, Ivey Business School, Western University
What Siamak had done, he had been able to interpret our design brief into reality for us: a vision, a feeling, an excitement around what this building could be and it truly is an iconic building.”
—Carol Stephenson, Former Dean, Ivey Business School, Western University
Physical Model Studies of Lecture Room Layouts
Physical Model Studies of Lecture Room Layouts
Every classroom has natural light and outward views, fundamental to a learning space being inviting and inspiring.
Every classroom has natural light and outward views, fundamental to a learning space being inviting and inspiring.
The Case Method training model — encouraging active conversation rather than lecturing — is unique to Ivey’s identity; therefore, the proportions of the design (shape, sightlines, and comfort) of the tiered 80- and 50-seat classrooms were paramount to supporting Ivey’s academic programme.
The Case Method training model — encouraging active conversation rather than lecturing — is unique to Ivey’s identity; therefore, the proportions of the design (shape, sightlines, and comfort) of the tiered 80- and 50-seat classrooms were paramount to supporting Ivey’s academic programme.
Innovative site strategies and embedded technologies were employed to achieve a sustainable design, including the selection of the site and vegetation, storm water and waste management plans, and the use of locally sourced and manufactured materials.
Innovative site strategies and embedded technologies were employed to achieve a sustainable design, including the selection of the site and vegetation, storm water and waste management plans, and the use of locally sourced and manufactured materials.
Select Awards
2016 – Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award
2016 – AIA/CAE AIA/CAE Educational Facility Design Award of Excellence
2016 – Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Design Excellence in Architecture
