Vision and Design Principles
I. Invite and Showcase
Extend NC’s invitation
At every scale, from highway to driveway, field to classroom, structures, landscapes and signage reflect the welcoming nature of our college community and create an opportunity to invite and engage local and regional communities.
Make more visible NC’s passion and achievements
Celebrate Niagara College’s innovative, creative, diverse and entrepreneurial spirit by showcasing its many incredible stories. Where possible, introduce transparent walls and multi-media surfaces that will display the unique people and aspirations that define Niagara College’s collaborative culture.
II. Embrace Pride of Place
Preserve Niagara College’s history and enhance its unique landscapes
Tell a story of the exceptional climate, landforms and local agri-business that shape the College along with the positive impacts the College continues to have on the region. Create a healthy campus, connected to the landscape, that will further celebrate the College’s pride in wellness and sustainability initiatives.
Establish stronger connections to, and recognition of, the land
Niagara College acknowledges the Land on which we live and learn is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples. Further connect to the land by pursuing opportunities that will enhance and activate a diversity of outdoor destinations. Create both the visual and physical connections between indoor spaces and outdoor spaces that are accessible and will promote wellbeing.
III. Engage and Innovate
Experience the College and engage the world
Continue to grow strong local and global relationships. New and existing partners will seek access to exceptional environments, specialized research space, event space, learning space, and collaboration space – the places where community and wholistic student experience intersect at Niagara College.
Create new synergies
Set the sparks of creativity flying. Planning and design of new, flexible, and naturally lit engagement spaces will comfortably support and enhance collaboration among students, staff, faculty and the communities we serve.
IV. Be Diverse and Welcoming
Reinforce Niagara College’s Guiding Principles
Keep wholistic student experience at the centre of the College’s welcoming and trailblazing culture. Space associated with activities that directly support and enhance the unique needs and passionate spirit of the Niagara College student will be given the highest priority.
Balance a diversity of needs
New spaces will be welcoming and safe environments for all members of our College community. Universal Design will ensure new spaces will be accessible for and respectful of all who learn, work and visit here.
V. Be Trailblazing and Lead Change
Embrace a changing academic landscape
Academic, learning, administrative, and research spaces will be flexible and nimble, responsive to emerging trends and market needs. Anticipate that some spaces will be used in multiple, novel and unforeseen ways. Evidence-based-design will ensure environments support better outcomes relating to wellness and well-being for a diverse population of students and employees.
Consider the spaces in-between
Common spaces will be destinations themselves. They will support clustering, enable multiple activities and encourage spontaneous conversations. These spaces will display the College’s many stories; improve wayfinding and campus organization; and guide future growth.
VI. Drive Economic Growth
Seek and engage employer and industry partners to drive economic success
Niagara College values its deep connection to industry and partners. Shared on campus spaces will enhance synergies between educators, researchers, students and business partners that are creating real-world solutions for business, industry and the community.
Stay ahead of the curve
Anticipate that emerging industry trends and opportunities will shape new programs and services matching the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Ensure learning environments can readily and quickly adapt to emerging learning models and technologies, changing student needs/expectations and new market opportunities.