The Kind Place: Shawenjigewining Hall
Named for the Anishinaabe word meaning “The Kind Place,” Shawenjigewining Hall is a mixed-use, five-storey academic hub at Ontario Tech University’s North Oshawa campus. It brings the Faculty of Health Sciences and its nursing simulation labs together with flexible, common pool, technology-rich teaching spaces. Breakout areas and lounges support study, conversation, and retreat.
A daylit court and sculptural stair form the building’s social heart. Active spaces give way to quieter places for research and reflection. Indigenous education spaces, multi-faith rooms and student services support a wider aim: a campus where more people feel they belong. A responsive precast façade, natural materials and abundant daylight advance the project’s LEED Platinum and WELL goals.
Architectural Counsel in joint venture with Montgomery Sisam Architects.
By its nature, a successful student space is one that fosters and reflects the heart of its community, and Ontario Tech’s Shawenjigewining Hall is no exception.
The ACi team was able to bring a number of real-life experiences to show research about where educational spaces are moving. That was a major benefit because we didn’t have to outsource that component to an educational consultant.
Brad MacIsaac
VP Administration
Ontario Tech University
Stakeholder involvement was multi-faceted on this project. Several town halls showed drawings of the space as it evolved – before, during and at final stages – allowing for student, staff, and faculty comments to be heard. The interactive nature encouraged members to answer questions like, ‘what are some aspects of space and furniture that would keep you on campus; or make you reconsider leaving once your formal classes are done for the day?’
