Thinkspace recently completed the Mission Campus Redevelopment interior renovation project with The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) . The newly renovated space is intended to act as a centre of excellence for the Mission campus.

Currently, the Abbotsford campus is over capacity, the revitalization of the Mission campus building will seek to increase current campus utilization through transferring out the previous graphic design program and will look to incorporate a new series of academic and community programs as well as research and administration spaces.

The project includes the renovation of two floors and minor entrance upgrade to the UFV Mission building, which is currently shared with École Heritage Park Middle School. The project team includes Thinkspace as the prime consultant along with a team of engineering consultants and a specialty consultant who is an Indigenous architect.

Considering the close proximity to Pekw’Xe:yles and the former St Mary’s Mission Indian Residential School, the project looks to illustrate and bring forth truth and reconciliation through education and awareness while integrating indigenous ways of knowing.

A Vision and Needs session lead by Thinkspace with the University of the Fraser Valley, the building user group and the Stó:lō community established that welcoming spaces, connection, cultural significance and the creation of a destination was the underlying vision for the project.

The vision was captured and brought to life though design using natural and local materials. Wood, greenery, and light acted as a president for the material pallet. The building utilized the concept of a traditional long board house as a president to embed cultural significance.

A traditional longboard house is indicative to the local Stó:lō community as their traditional housing typology. The use of wood slat panels as an interior finish captured comfort and familiarity. The wood slat panels were also detailed to provide acoustical absorption which creates comfortable and acoustically sound spaces capable of performing during community drumming sessions. The creation of open, inviting, and transparent spaces was achieved though the use of glazing throughout the building.

Local Stó:lō art was celebrated through the use of an artist engagement process. Raphael Silver is the local First Nation artist who was responsible for designing glazing film design, steel column column wraps, and signage for this project.