The Functional Programme for this new element of Athabasca University's campus required intensive consultation with both academic and support staff.

This new addition to the distance learning institution will be a model of sustainability, combining energy efficient building techniques with cutting edge networking and communication technologies. It has been designed to nestle within the trees, integrated with the site and existing building, while celebrating contemporary sustainable architecture.

Designed to LEED® Gold standards, this new facility will house all of Athabasca University's Academic Centres, the new University Collections Centre, and a number of flexible meeting and collaborative spaces for the academy. The building will take advantage of natural daylight and the pleasing views across the site, using clerestories and high window walls along the east and west facades to provide superb daylighting to all interior spaces. Displacement ventilation and operable windows allow fresh air to circulate through the building, while energy efficient building systems reduce energy consumption.