After establishing roots on Granville Island, Emily Carr University of Art and Design has officially started the next chapter in its almost century-old life with the opening of a glowing new campus on Great Northern Way. Premier John Horgan was on hand to cut the ribbon for the state-of-the-art facility, which spans 290,000 square feet of space and features a design by Toronto-based Diamond Schmitt Architects.

The grassy knoll will soon support a totem pole, image via Emily Carr University of Art and Design

The $122.65 million project — paid with $100 million from the province and another $21 million from fundraising — has given the revered institution a purpose-built home equipped with the latest technology to support student learning, including a motion-capture and visualization lab, networked virtual reality systems, a digital animation studio, and a digital embroidery and sewing lab.

Premier John Horgan helps cut the ribbon, image via Emily Carr University of Art and Design

The university's new building is LEED Gold-certified and features sky-lit atriums, galleries and exhibit spaces. The library and learning commons also benefit from an abundant supply of natural light, while the studios are punctuated with large north-facing windows. The exterior is accented by coloured glass panels that reflect the unique palette of Emily Carr, the Victoria-born painter and writer the school is named after.

Wood is used prominently throughout the facility, image via Emily Carr University of Art and Design

"This new campus will help students get the education and skills they need to build their futures," said Premier Horgan. "This leading-edge learning environment will allow students to realize their potential and contribute to a strong, sustainable economy that benefits everyone. The new Great Northern Way campus also showcases how innovative B.C. wood products are a true 21st-century building material, worthy of an institution training B.C.'s future arts and design leaders."

Light-filled atria are lined with balconies, image via Emily Carr University of Art and Design

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