UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN ARTS BUILDING RECLADDING STUDY

Location: Saskatoon, SK
Project budget:
Completion: Jun 2012

In October of 2011, Group2 was engaged to develop the concept design for the existing Arts Complex at the University of Saskatchewan. The aim of this study was to examine the implications of an upgrade to the exterior envelope of the Arts Complex. The scope of the study includes 4 buildings: the Arts Tower, the Theatre Wing, the 1950s Classroom Wing and the 1970 addition referred to as the “New Wing”.

The goal of the conceptual re-cladding design was to develop a strategy to increase the thermal performance of the building, as well as modernize the outer appearance of the buildings to reflect the current collaborative and social approach to teaching and learning. Modernist elements were retained or reworked to obtain a contemporary envelope that evokes the defining principles of the modernist era. The proposed cladding systems will improve the energy performance of the envelope and provide an opportunity to update the aesthetics of the arts tower. The reuse of fieldstone and Tyndall cladding will maintain the integration of the Arts Complex with other campus buildings. The landscaped courtyards that surround the Complex have also been reviewed as part of this study. The existing courtyard areas will be retained and modified to make the spaces into comfortable friendly outdoor meeting areas.