The University of Alberta has officially opened the doors to University Commons, a breathtaking 405,000-square-foot transformation of its century-old Dentistry and Pharmacy building. Designed by the visionary team at Zeidler Architecture, this monumental project turns a historic landmark into a vibrant, modern gateway.
Positioned at a key entrance to the North Campus, the reimagined space serves as both a literal and symbolic front door for the university. By replacing fragmented, faculty-specific hallways with open, flexible environments, the design establishes a new heartbeat for the campus—a place deeply rooted in openness, accessibility, and interdisciplinary connection.
Creating a "Sticky" Campus
From the very beginning, the goal was to create a space that naturally draws people together. University President Bill Flanagan describes the vision simply: students want a "sticky campus"—a place where they feel welcome, supported, and part of a larger community.
To achieve this, Zeidler Architecture drew inspiration from nature and the warmth of human connection. The building’s design is anchored by two powerful metaphors: the tree of knowledge and the conviviality of a shared meal.
The Central Atrium: Acting as the core of the building, a stunning central atrium pulls in natural daylight and organizes movement across multiple levels, radiating outward toward various collaborative zones.
Seasonal Neighbourhoods: Situated at the building's corners, these double-height gathering areas are intentionally left unprogrammed. Much like gathering around a dining table, these spaces invite spontaneous conversations, relaxed studying, and informal encounters between students and faculty.
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
James Brown, a Partner at Zeidler Architecture, notes that this nature-inspired approach encourages spontaneity, helping students explore their relationships with their peers and the world around them.
Designed for Every Mind
Eliminating old institutional barriers was a core principle of the renovation. University Commons is built on the belief that everyone deserves equal access to daylight, space, and opportunity.
The building seamlessly blends essential administrative services—like the registrar and the dean of students—with academic departments, open lounges, and bookable meeting rooms. This thoughtful layout dissolves the traditional boundaries between students and university staff.
To accommodate diverse learning styles, the interior offers:
Modular Classrooms: Adaptable layouts that can shift based on the needs of the lesson.
Warm, Welcoming Materials: Custom acoustic treatments and designer furniture that provide comfort for long study sessions.
The Calming Room: A sensory-conscious space designed specifically for mental restoration. Remarkably, this quiet refuge was designed by a University of Alberta student who won a campus-wide design competition, showcasing the university's commitment to empowering its students to solve real-world challenges.
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
Rooted in Indigenous Storytelling
A true highlight of University Commons is its deep connection to history and identity, brought to life through the work of acclaimed Métis artist Christi Belcourt.
Known for her profound respect for traditional knowledge, Belcourt’s naturalistic artwork animates the shared spaces throughout the building. Drawing inspiration from native flora, her storytelling weaves a beautiful connection between nature and the campus community. These artistic accents ensure that everyday encounters in the Commons are grounded in cultural recognition, fostering a deep and reflective sense of place.
Coordinating a project of this scale requires incredible precision. Zeidler Architecture utilized advanced Building Information Modelling (BIM) to navigate the complex renovation, perfectly aligning modern systems within a historic century-old shell.
This project adds to Zeidler’s impressive portfolio of post-secondary renewals across Canada, including major works at York University, the University of Victoria, and the University of Toronto.
Today, University Commons stands as a testament to what happens when thoughtful architecture meets community needs. It is no longer just a building; it is a shared crossroads for learning, connection, and community. The doors are now open, inviting students, faculty, and visitors to experience the future of the University of Alberta.
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
University of Alberta Commons: A New Campus Heart. Image courtesy of: Adrien Williams
Zeidler is a leading Canadian architecture and interior design practice with a portfolio of award-winning, inspiring work that fosters social engagement, facilitates excellence, and delivers lasting value. The firm believes that architecture should enrich lives and strengthen communities. Driven by curiosity and guided by evidence, they embrace innovation in sustainability, accessibility, design theory, and materiality. They work closely with clients and communities to design resilient environments that foster connection, promote well-being, and achieve long-term impact.
Zeidler doesn’t just design buildings—they shape resilient environments that help shape the future.
The University of Alberta (U of A) (1908) is a research-intensive, innovative institution located in Edmonton, Alberta, that attracts the best and brightest minds from around the world. U of A is ranked in the Top 100 Universities in the world and Top 5 in Canada. You can choose from more than 200 undergraduate specializations and 170 graduate programs in 18 Faculties that are among the best in Canada. The U of A serves more than 43,000 students and is recognized internationally for its excellence in education and research. Students enjoy an exceptional quality of life on a friendly campus in the heart of Edmonton.
The University of Alberta has officially opened the doors to University Commons, a breathtaking 405,000-square-foot transformation of its century-old Dentistry and Pharmacy building. Designed by the visionary team at Zeidler Architecture, this monumental project turns a historic landmark into a vibrant, modern gateway.
Humans spent 99% of their evolutionary history adapting to the natural world. Today, we spend roughly 90% of our lives inside sealed, climate-controlled boxes. This massive shift has left us chronically stressed, fatigued, and disconnected.
Winner of the 2026 Award of Excellence in Architecture from the Quebec Association of Architects, the Aubé House is more than just a beautifully designed residence. It is a physical timeline—a space where a rich family history meets breathtaking modern design.
Just north of Toronto, perched on the edge of a wooded valley, sits Ravine House—a contemporary home that redefines what it means to live in harmony with nature. Rather than acting as a barrier against the outdoors or simply occupying a plot of land, this stunning residence acts as an immersive, beautiful mediator between comfortable domestic living and the natural landscape.
On May 29th, as the sun began to set over the historic brick facades of Old Town Toronto, the streets took on a new, electric energy. The King East Design District (KEDD) Neighbourhood Hop—the highly anticipated annual event presented by DesignTO in collaboration with the Old Town Toronto BIA—was officially underway. For a few magic hours, the neighbourhood morphed into a sprawling, interactive playground for creativity and innovation.
In the heart of Quebec’s rugged Laurentians region, a new kind of home has taken flight. Located in the quiet community of La Conception, The Albatross is not just a house; it is a masterclass in modern residential design. Image courtesy of: Stéphane Groleau Created by the teams at MU Architecture in close collaboration with architect Anik Patry, this extraordinary home was built around a beautiful, simple idea: to place a modern family at the very center of a spectacular nat
Great architecture does more than simply house people; it shapes how they learn, create, and connect with the world around them. Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) has long understood this, and the architectural community agrees. Recently, UQAM’s iconic pavillon de Design was awarded the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s (RAIC) Prix du XXe siècle, a prestigious honour that recognizes the most outstanding and enduring architectural achievements of the last century.
Medical laboratories are often defined entirely by their complex, technical needs, leaving little room for architectural beauty. However, the new Montérégie Central Laboratory in Quebec completely rewrites that rule. Designed by the architectural firms NFOE and Archi–, this cutting-edge facility proves that high-tech infrastructure can be surprisingly elegant.
