Vancouver Community College Centre for Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation

Nestled in the urban setting, this building rises with a promise to honor Indigenous traditions while embracing the future of clean energy technology. Constructed with locally sourced timber, stone, and other materials, the building has low carbon footprint and is designed to achieve LEED Gold Certification. Its form—a blend of innovation and practicality—reimagines material use and creates a space that is as original as it is functional, serving diverse needs while inviting the community to connect and engage.

The project celebrates the rich historical and cultural importance of this location to the Musqueam, Squamish and the Tsleil-Waututh Nations (MST). Fundamental to the outcome of the overall design, the collaborative design consultation process involved various learning sessions led by Indigenous advisors, collaborators, and designers. The project is an exploration into architecture’s ability to acknowledge the rich, multi-generational history and culture conveyed through Indigenous knowledge and storytelling, while being mindful of the guidelines set forth by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Expansive and integrated public social space can be seen throughout the building and site. The facility houses a library and learning centre, an Indigenous gathering area, administrative offices, family and interfaith spaces to celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and foster collaboration. A spacious atrium is introduced to create a more open and welcoming atmosphere. Thoughtful seating and orientations in various room sizes promote a diverse and inclusive learning environments that caters to different teaching styles and learning opportunities. Designed to meet the Rick Hansen Foundation Gold Certifications, accessible spaces can be found throughout the facility for equitable user experience. The facility unites manufacturing and fabrication spaces with creative programs and industry partnerships, fostering collaborative environments and integrating clean energy technologies—such as Alternative Energy Cells, solar tech, and EV batteries—throughout various programs and classroom spaces. The ground level offers a unique view for the public to observe and interact with the students in the clean energy program working below. The CCEAI serves more than an educational centre; it's a crossroads where cultural values, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship converge, creating an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. It's a testament to VCC's dedication to shaping a world where education, communities, and sustainability drive us forward together.