- Project Type
- Healthcare
- Location
- 3688 Cessna Drive, Richmond, BC
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The new provincial knowledge centre incorporates state-of-the-art resources for research, information dissemination, and learning opportunities, as well as assessment, treatment and support for the lifespan needs of individuals and their families living with ASD in British Columbia.
“We wanted to use wood and its inherent warmth and beauty to reinforce the welcoming atmosphere we were trying to create for people and families living with Autism. Wood, if properly managed, is a natural, renewable product for the long term.”
– Larry Adams, Principal-In-Charge, NSDA Architects
The Hub provides services to regions across the province through a “hub and spoke” concept. The Hub will be operated by the Pacific Autism Family Centre Society.
Program spaces identified for the 61,900 sq. ft. centre include: a knowledge centre; vocational and post-secondary training; family support and accommodation; recreation; research; a treatment centre and province wide satellite centres. The centre’s proximity to the airport will make it accessible for families across British Columbia.
The building is a 3-storey post and beam wood structure, with materials selected based on their durability, functionality, aesthetics and low environmental footprint. The Hub is dedicated to addressing sustainability in two significant ways: by contributing to a high degree of social sustainability as a community resource, and by committing to significant measures to reduce the building’s impact on the physical environment.