Enhancing the public realm.

GEC recently completed the redevelopment of the southeast corner of NorQuest College’s campus into a new green space, connecting students to the surrounding community and the future West LRT expansion. This new campus park is called Miyonohk, which means “a good place”. The redevelopment included the streetscape around the Civic Employees Legacy Tower (CELT). The project unifies the entire campus by creating a cohesive design aesthetic that integrates into the institution’s surroundings, allowing recognition of this block as a distinct space within the larger urban context. Miyonohk and the CELT streetscape are intended to create barrier-free spaces and connections, allowing people of all abilities to enjoy the various park spaces and access all of the campus buildings. The creation of flexible, passive spaces across campus enable informal student activity and gatherings. Wayfinding is part of this refresh, which features distinct colors and signage which provides a unique campus identity amidst the surrounding density.

For the CELT’s streetscape, our design team was tasked to enhance the east, south, and west public realm at the base of the building with sculptural concrete walls, integrated seating, wood decks, undulating landscape and accessible walkways. Durable materials were used throughout the design to reduce the College’s ongoing maintenance requirements, and all existing trees on site were preserved within the final design.