Douglas College-David Lam Expansion
Coquitlam, B.C.
This project creates an academic quadrangle with the existing College Building. It was completed in 2008 at a cost of $30,000,000. Its organizing principles were designed to encourage the use of stairs. The circulation around the green is by way of covered walkways. The existing main spine leading to the transit stop has been maintained.

The new building is a three storey structure with general classrooms on the main floor, nursing laboratories on the middle floor, and administrative and teaching offices on the top floor. A large three storey atrium splits the building into functional blocks. Three other two-storey connect the top floor administrative offices with the nursing labs on the middle floor bringing light down into the heart of the building. The style of the new building was intended to blend with the existing college in terms of materials and detailing.

This project represents the latest technology in terms of the teaching of nursing. Three simulation labs utilize electronic mannequins that are life size and are programmed to exhibit life-like symptoms in nursing situations. Video playback sessions become invaluable teaching tools. In this way, any emergency situation can be simulated and recorded. This state of the art facility allows nurses to experience the equivalent of a hospital practicum in their own building.