Staff
Robert J. Johnston - Project Principal/Senior Architect
Project
Roger Jackson Centre for Health and Wellness Research
Role*
Prime Consultant, Architectural Design
When the University of Calgary’s Research Centre, a building originally designed by Johnston Sport Architecture Inc. and constructed in 1996, was deemed to require additional space to accommodate a burgeoning student population, Cannon Design was commissioned by the University to design and provide construction administration services for the third and fourth level expansion of the Centre.
In adding a third and fourth level to the existing Research Centre, the design team had to maintain the original principles of the building’s existing first and second levels. This was particularly important within the main floor entrancing and overall functional circulation and control points. An extension was added to the existing elevator to the third level, and a new elevator to access all four levels was created. The addition of a new glass-enclosed staircase running from the third level to the ceiling of the fourth level provides secondary access and is purposely cranked at 45 degrees so that it reinforces an entry presence, allows for natural daylighting, and signals movement when viewed from the existing long main floor corridor.
The addition includes laboratories for small molecular analysis, cell molecular biomechanics, tissue physiology, molecular biology genetics, pathology, microscopy, bone molecular biology, and office and administrative space. Laboratory design is based on a combination of peninsula and island-type bench layouts with adjustable open-shelving storage between the benches, enabling quick retrieval of components and/or materials as necessary and giving the laboratory an organized appearance.
Adherence to scheduling milestones and smooth coordination between the design and construction process allowed this $7.9 million addition to be completed three months ahead of schedule.
*Work completed by JSA Sport Architecture Inc. personnel while employed by Johnston Sport Architecture Inc. or Cannon Design
Completion
1996, 2005
Client
University of Calgary
Location
Calgary, Alberta