MacEwan’s School of Business Building will feature welcoming spaces for students and the public alike, expand our reach into downtown Edmonton and allow for further future growth. We sat down with Associate Vice-President, Infrastructure Planning and Management Robert Sabulka to chat about some of the unique features of the new building.

How will this building improve our connection to our neighbours – the businesses and residents north of our campus?

Our existing main entrances were designed to face south, maintaining our connection with the downtown core. But now that we want to be more open and welcoming to all of the communities surrounding MacEwan, the new building will have its main doors facing north on 105 Avenue, connecting us with the growing neighbourhood in that area.

How will the building design encourage collaboration and interactivity between students?

The building will feature an open atrium on the main floor, and the floors will all be visible from the main floor, much like the existing space in Allard Hall. A mezzanine between the first and second floors will overlook the open space, and students throughout the building will be able to witness and engage in activity happening elsewhere – from the Innovation Hub on the third floor down to the Simulation Lab on the main level. The top two floors will be undeveloped for now, but will give us flexibility for future growth as our campus continues to welcome more students – we’re expecting to have 30,000 full-time learners by 2030.

What is being included in order to ensure the building is sustainable?

We’re on track to earn a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold rating. Our sustainability initiatives include having triple-glazed windows and photovoltaic solar panels, high-efficiency mechanical and electrical systems, and solar shading. The building will receive plenty of natural light to illuminate all those open, interactive spaces. We had working groups research ways to reduce our carbon footprint that would also account for ease of use and maintenance, ensuring that these design features last long-term while also complementing the existing architecture and design of our campus.

Students have a lot of diverse needs. How will the building be accessible?

There are a number of accessibility initiatives that are being implemented. In addition to more common features like ramps, signage and uninterrupted pedway access to the rest of campus, there will also be illuminated handrails, adjustable furniture and a mix of flat and tiered classroom spaces to maximize accessibility. 

Slated to open in 2027, the new School of Business Building will provide space for 7,500 new students. The 35,000 square-metre building will also feature 30 classrooms, 20 collaboration spaces, 15 study areas, computer labs and a state-of-the-art trading simulation lab. Learn more at MacEwan.ca/MacEwanMeansBusiness.