5.1.2. BUILDINGS AS SPACE MAKERS

Potential building development on site is based on
several criteria; these criteria are access to open space,
circulation, proximity to existing buildings and precincts. The
opportunities for development on site contribute to larger
compositions or groups of buildings and open spaces. At the
Castlegar Campus, Selkirk College already has an open and
inviting building language. The master plan looks to guide
future development to compliment the existing architectural
language to enhance the student and public experience on

campus.

BUILDING STRUCTURE

The existing language of Selkirk College prioritizes the
relationship between the building occupant and the exterior
environment. The main corridors are fully glazed and run along
the interior of the campus, creating a visual relationship that is
focused inward toward the administration building. The goal
of the Selkirk College Campus Master Plan is to activate this
relationship and invite people into the outdoors and creating

exterior classrooms, study spaces, and lounge areas.

46 SELKIRK COLLEGE - CAMPUS MASTER PLAN 2020-2035

In the future buildings, there is also an opportunity to refocus
the view and create more connectivity to the surrounding
environment that is the focus of studies at the school.

It is important to note that the buildings have an important
role in animating public spaces and should enhance the
character of open spaces by framing them. This has been
done very well at Selkirk College. As development occurs,
it is important to note that building height and scale can
impact the feel of the exterior space. Future development
needs to be cognizant of the impact it will have of the interior

courtyard spaces.

As the project looks at expansion of both Monashee and
Granite wings, the master plan proposes to maintain a
maximum of two storeys in this region to maintain the feeling

of the campus.

Future development also needs to find better ways of
engaging the exterior space in a physical sense. The layout of
the Castelgar Campus strongly defines interior open spaces
and courtyards. These spaces have excellent visual connection
between the interior and exterior, but feel off limits. By
creating amenity areas that invite people out into the space,
the utility of the open area can be greatly increased. As noted
below, this includes the creation of obvious and convenient

access doors that lead people into the space.