A Common Place for an Academic Community: Trent University Student Centre 

The concept for Trent University’s Student Centre began with students. Working with Educational Consulting Services, we asked what the Symons Campus lacked and what would help people feel connected. Their answers shaped the program for a 75,000-square-foot centre for study, services, clubs, food, wellness and events.

The design opened the building to the Otonabee River through extensive glazing. A flexible plan supported both quiet study and busy campus life, while responding to the character of Ron Thom’s architecture. Our work set the program and early design vision; others later developed and built the project. It shows what pre-design can do: turn many student voices into a collective vision and a shared place.