the ARTlab at university of manitoba by patkau architects

patkau architects supports the ARTlab at university of manitoba with V-shaped columns

the ARTlab project at canada’s university of manitoba began as a renovation to the school’s tache hall, a student residence dating back to 1911. when an opportunity arose for federal stimulus funding during the 2009 recession, the decision was made to develop a portion of the program separately, so it could be designed and constructed in an expedited manner to meet funding deadlines. consequently, the ‘ARTlab’ — designed by patkau architects and LM architectural group — became the first part of a multi-phase creative arts facility.

neighboring the existing tache hall, the new building measures a total of 6,300 square meters
image courtesy of patkau architects

the building, which measures a total of 6,300 square meters, combines large spaces for the school of art with small spaces set within the neighboring tache hall. individual facilities include a national-standard gallery, a lecture hall, a soundstage, administrative areas, and a variety of media studios. patkau’s design raises the north wing of the ARTlab one storey above grade. consequently, the covered area below forms a new entrance and a generous covered outdoor space for both school and gallery events. large V-shaped columns negotiate the structural grid, creating a lively courtyard between the historic and contemporary buildings.

a pair of bridges connect the two buildings
image courtesy of patkau architects

to facilitate connections above-grade, a pair of bridges link the upper levels of the ARTlab to tache hall. below ground, the new building links to the campus tunnel network, a key pedestrian route used during the cold winter months. animated by south daylight, a narrow atrium forms a spiraling vertical circulation space. terraced seating at the base of this atrium creates a multi-level lobby that connects the school of art gallery and the lecture hall. studios and administration areas are positioned on the upper storeys, where they are able to take advantage of natural light.

large V-shaped columns negotiate the structural grid, creating a lively courtyard
image courtesy of patkau architects

the ARTlab’s northern elevation is fully glazed, enabling the studios to enjoy diffuse daylight. simultaneously, this also provides a visible expression of school to the public spaces below. the east and south elevations feature aluminum grilles that veil the envelope from sunlight, and offer privacy from the nearby school of business. a virginia creeper planted at the base of the façade is intended to eventually form a vertical garden with little need for irrigation.

the covered outdoor space can be used for both school and gallery events
image courtesy of patkau architects

view are provided across the campus
image courtesy of patkau architects

on-site facilities include a national-standard gallery
image courtesy of patkau architects

studios and administration areas are positioned on the upper storeys
image courtesy of patkau architects

a narrow atrium forms a spiraling vertical circulation space
image courtesy of james dow / patkau architects

the ARTlab’s northern elevation is fully glazed
image courtesy of patkau architects

the east and south elevations feature aluminum grilles that veil the envelope from sunlight
image courtesy of patkau architects

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patkau architects ARTlab university of manitoba winnipeg canada designboom

project info:

location: winnipeg, manitoba, canada
size: 6,300 sqm
client: university of manitoba
architect: patkau architects inc. design architect, LM architectural group, prime consultant

project team (patkau architects):
john patkau, patricia patkau, and greg boothroyd
stephanie coleridge, michael cunningham, dylan gilmore, marc holland, dimitri koubatis, maureen kwong, thomas schroeder, luke stern, peter suter, and michael thorpe

project team (LM architectural group):
ken duchnycz, david kressock, lloyd mymko, darrell sawatzky, greg tomaszewski, maria verdun

consultants
structural: crosier kilgour & partners
mechanical: SMS engineering
electrical: MCW/AGE
landscape: hilderman thomas frank cram
code: gage babcock & associates ltd
acoustics: daniel lyzun & associates
audiovisual: MC squared system design group
sustainability: sustainable solutions
signage: gallop/varley
cost: hanscomb
builder: PCL constructors canada inc