Lambton College’s Centre of Excellence in Energy and Bio-Industrial Technologies will position the College as a national leader in education and innovation, as well as a front-runner in applied research and development for process industries. Officially established by the College in summer 2015, the Centre of Excellence meets the evolving needs of the energy and bio-industrial sector. New support from the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund has provided Lambton with the means to improve the performance of an existing 25-year-old structure to co-locate expanded programs for regional, national and international students, as well as industry-related applied research.
Located in 34,350 square feet of renovated space plus 7,600 new square feet, the refreshed and added space is open and welcoming, embracing pride of ownership across the programs and industry partners. architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson explored the use of the three floors offered by the College. Efficient planning resulted in accommodating the program within two floors with a small addition. The addition will be ideal for two of the labs – the steam boiler and co-gen unit – that require special infrastructure not easily inserted into the existing building. Movement through the Centre will feature a series of glazed walls looking into the special use research and training labs that make up 90% of this building. The Student Thesis Studio – Capstone Project One – will be a showcase space on the Centre’s primary circulation and entry pathway. The remaining area will be dedicated to shared lounge and meeting spaces.