Essex Centre of Research (CORe) University of Windsor, ON

As part of a Design Build Consortium led by Amico Affiliates (Constructors), NORR in association with Hariri Pontarini Architects (HPA), worked collaboratively to realize the University of Windsor’s vision of merging science and research into a collaborative, innovative space where industry and academia work together. The Essex Centre of Research (CORe) is a new three-story building unifying multi-functional research area into a comprehensive hub where ‘ lab’ and ‘collab’ exist together to create the required synergy for scientific research. The dense work of science is displayed and set within a welcoming, collegiate and natural environment of the University. The Centre’s lab spaces were designed to feature large, highly functional and unobstructed floor plates to create flexible and open working areas.

From a structural engineering perspective, NORR designed a scheme for underpinning the foundations of an existing building to allow for safe excavation to install a new basement, which houses mechanical and electrical rooms. As well, design of a new utilities tunnel connected the new basement to an existing tunnel.
NORR’s design incorporated concrete slabs and beams for strength and serviceability requirements to mitigate vibrations to suit laboratory equipment.

Functional areas of the Centre include the Materials Chemistry Research Facility, Windsor Health Research Group (WHRG): Translational Research Lab, Molecular and Cellular Diagnosis Suite, Proteomics Suite, Imaging and Flow Cytometry Suite along with Wet Lab Suites and an Instrumentation Space, all dedicated to strengthening the University’s focus on health and research.

NORR and HPA partnership proved to be a success. Working closely, to understand the University’s vision along with the day-to-day requirements, procedures and needs was an exciting dialogue resulting in an exceptional facility advancing the University’s stature of a center of excellence in Science and Research.