Academic Architecture

Post-secondary institutions keep pace with Edmonton's building boom.

28 April 2017

At times, it seems like Edmonton's construction boom has been happening for most of the millennium. Certainly, downtown's multi-billion-dollar makeover has revitalized the city's core, turning an afterthought into a hot spot over the last decade. And there's more to come. Much of the money and media attention has focused on marquee projects, and for good reason. The arena, art gallery and condo towers are signposts marking Edmonton as a city that's finally made it - complete with things to point to and say, "Hey, we have that too!"

But the city also has some of the best post-secondary institutions around, and they aren't all downtown. One could argue that from a purpose and design perspective, their roles are even more vital in attracting the best and brightest, and bolstering the city's reputation.

Since 2008, NAIT, NorQuest College, the University of Alberta and MacEwan University have each undergone major constructions. Some have been additions, or the first steps of major redesigns. Some have started from scratch. Given their common era and construction timelines, they share some similar styles and themes, but what's most apparent is their primary focus: Meeting their students' unique needs.

Continue reading on Avenue Edmonton's website