In the heart of London, Ontario, Fanshawe College has unveiled its latest groundbreaking project: the Innovation Village, a CA$55.9 million facility designed to accommodate the diverse ways people learn. Created by the renowned architectural firm Diamond Schmitt, the Innovation Village stands as a testament to a new era of education, where flexible, adaptive spaces foster collaboration, creativity, and cross-disciplinary engagement.
The 126,828-square-foot structure is a harmonious blend of new construction and renovation, transforming a previously disjointed section of the campus into a vibrant hub for learning and innovation. The goal of this space is simple: to break down traditional academic boundaries and provide a place where students can learn, collaborate, and explore in an environment tailored to modern educational needs.
Upon entering the Innovation Village, one is immediately struck by its diverse and versatile spaces. The building is designed with various learning styles in mind, offering quiet study zones, open work and study areas, homework labs, a relaxed coffee zone, makerspaces, and multi-use event spaces. These flexible environments allow students to tailor their experience, whether they’re looking for solitude to focus, a collaborative area to brainstorm, or a place to attend a lecture or social event.
The facility is also equipped with cutting-edge technology, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) labs, multimedia studios, and Leap Junction, a center dedicated to entrepreneurship. "The design of Innovation Village responds to the changing pedagogies of the 21st century," said Sydney Browne, Principal at Diamond Schmitt. "It is intended to support a culture of active and experiential learning, prioritizing adaptable spaces that encourage impromptu cross-disciplinary collaborations and interactions."
At the heart of the Innovation Village lies the Canada Life Village Square, a full-height, multi-purpose agora that can serve as a guest lecture space, exhibition area, or student lounge. Surrounded by large interior windows, the square is bathed in natural light, thanks to clerestory windows and numerous access points leading to the building’s interior. This central forum not only serves as a gathering place but also as a dynamic, multi-functional space that can quickly transform depending on the event or activity at hand.
Adjacent to the square is Forwell Hall, a two-story event space managed by the Fanshawe Student Union. This versatile venue can host everything from trade shows and fashion shows to student lounges and social events. The design of Forwell Hall features a striking two-story curtain wall system, supported by wood glulam columns that lend the space a warm, organic feel, creating an inviting atmosphere for all who enter.
Given the school’s large Indigenous student population—over 400 students—there was a concerted effort to integrate Indigenous culture and design principles into the building. The Library Learning Commons now houses the Kalihwíy̲o̲ Circle, a space created for Indigenous students to gather, share, and learn in a safe and inclusive environment. This circular space promotes cultural exchange and trust, with direct access to a spacious courtyard that can be used for workshops, exhibitions, and smudging ceremonies.
Sustainability is a key consideration in the design of Innovation Village. The building’s exterior features custom building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) cladding, which not only provides renewable energy but also adds an aesthetic dimension to the building. The solar panels, treated with advanced nanotechnology, offer a vibrant blue hue that shifts in tone depending on the weather and angle of view, making the building both an energy-efficient and visually dynamic presence on campus.
The interior design of Innovation Village is equally as thoughtful. The architects chose raw, natural materials such as wood, steel, and concrete to create a warm yet modern aesthetic. A striking glulam timber canopy at the main entrance sets the tone for the building’s interior, which balances natural warmth with industrial sleekness, creating a welcoming yet professional environment for students and faculty alike.
The opening of Innovation Village marks a significant shift in how educational spaces are designed and utilized. It reflects the evolving needs of modern learners, who require flexible environments that encourage creativity, collaboration, and innovation. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, sustainability practices, and a focus on cultural inclusivity, Fanshawe College is setting a new standard for the future of higher education spaces.
This vision for education isn’t unique to Canada. Across the United States and other parts of the world, universities and colleges are reimagining their campuses to meet the demands of a rapidly changing educational landscape. For example, schools in California have embraced cross-disciplinary learning hubs, where students from diverse fields of study can collaborate in open, flexible spaces. These changes reflect a broader trend toward experiential and student-centered learning environments.
The opening of Innovation Village is not just about the physical space but also about transforming the way education is delivered. Students at Fanshawe College are no longer confined to traditional classroom settings; instead, they have access to a variety of spaces that cater to their different learning needs. This flexible approach to education encourages students to take ownership of their learning, whether they’re attending a lecture, working on a group project, or participating in a hands-on activity.
The building also serves as a model for sustainable design. The use of photovoltaic cladding and natural materials, combined with smart building management systems, ensures that Innovation Village is both an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient facility. This commitment to sustainability not only supports the college’s green initiatives but also provides students with a real-world example of how architecture can contribute to environmental conservation.
Ultimately, Innovation Village is more than just a state-of-the-art educational facility. It is a space designed to nurture creativity, foster collaboration, and inspire students to push the boundaries of what is possible. By providing students with the tools, resources, and environment they need to succeed, Fanshawe College is helping shape the future of education, one innovative space at a time.