Newly constructed 13,500 sq.ft. Learning Commons addition to the existing life sciences building within the Dalhousie Complex. The commons was to provide a new entrance/focal gateway for the Life Science Faculty. The site had many challenges squeezed in-between two very distinctive traditional buildings. The building was designed to extend the existing subterranean concrete structure, with occupied roof garden/lawn space, providing exterior learning/study spaces. The use of materials was chosen to reflect the pure nature of each: high quality finished concrete, natural timber, copper metal for the main façade to provide an ever changing façade – the living material. The interior accommodates various computer lab areas; group study/meeting rooms, intimate spaces, quiet study areas, Academic Resource Centre, staff room and associated ancillary spaces.