Fanshawe College Innovation Village

Fanshawe College

~$60 Million

Diamond Schmitt Architects

D. Grant Construction

2024

Innovation Village at Fanshawe College is a 95,000 sq ft hub for interdisciplinary learning, collaboration, and applied research, located at the heart of the London campus.

Opened in 2024, it integrates advanced technologies, Indigenous-inspired design, and sustainable architecture. Key spaces include the Library Learning Commons, the Diane Blake Centre for XR, Canada Life Village Square, Forwell Hall, maker spaces, and Leap Junction—Fanshawe’s startup incubator. The facility supports hands-on learning through 3D printing, virtual reality, and industry-partnered research in areas like AI and embedded systems.

Indigenous values are reflected in design elements like the Kalihwíyo Circle. Built with mass timber, integrated solar cladding, and bird-safe glazing, the project blends new construction with existing campus buildings.

Innovation Village is a purpose-built environment that fosters entrepreneurship, social impact, and regional economic development, making it a cornerstone for Fanshawe’s commitment to innovation, equity, and sustainability.

The structural engineering design for Innovation Village at Fanshawe College involved integrating new construction with existing campus buildings, including a major retrofit of the L-Building and F Building. Challenges included connecting mass timber elements with existing concrete and steel structures, accommodating large open spaces like the Village Square and Forwell Hall, and supporting multi-use floor loads for labs, maker spaces, and assembly areas. Structural solutions had to meet high sustainability goals, including the integration of building-integrated photovoltaics and bird-safe glazing. The design also incorporated Indigenous architectural features, requiring careful coordination of structure and form to respect cultural intent and spatial symbolism.