Nipissing University Student Centre

With the support of the Nipissing University student population, Nipissing University and the Nipissing University Student Union engaged Mitchell Jensen Architects to assist them in the planning and design of a new multi-purpose Student Centre, to be located on a greenfield site adjacent to the existing campus.

The new two-storey building is to be a centrepiece for both the University and the Student Union, providing much-needed student space and services in a warm and welcoming environment. The building will include a full service restaurant, a 500-person night club that will also be used for conference services, a retail unit, the NUSU offices, and a wide variety of student gathering spaces, study lounges, and meeting spaces.

With the aim of creating a truly northern student centre, the design features wood and stone abundantly, drawing architectural inspiration from the surrounding forests and rock cuts. Extensive glass creates a light-filled building while providing expansive views to the beautiful coniferous forests that surround the building.

The project also includes the creation of a new student quad, which will serve as a valuable outdoor gathering and study space on campus. With two sides of the quad bordered by the building, and two sides by the forest, the outdoor space will reflect the beauty of Nipissing’s northern campus.