University Commons is a landmark academic building located at the heart of the University of Alberta campus. Originally constructed in 1922 as part of the university’s original master plan, the building has served many roles over its life, including housing auditoriums and the Faculty of Medicine. The redevelopment expands and modernizes the historic structure to support contemporary academic, ceremonial, and gathering spaces while respecting its heritage character.
The project includes a seven-storey, approximately 41,800 m² glass addition featuring a multi-storey atrium, Indigenous ceremony and gathering spaces, and core building infrastructure. Interior renovations to the original heritage building include upgraded lecture theatres and shared spaces. The redevelopment is designed to achieve LEED Silver certification and incorporates high-performance building systems to improve energy efficiency and long-term operational performance.
AME provided mechanical engineering and building performance services for the project. The mechanical scope includes central utility systems, vertical and horizontal distribution to individual floors, and zone-level termination to support future fit-outs. Building performance analysis informed the use of active chilled beams, displacement ventilation, high-efficiency dual-core energy recovery, a high-performance building envelope, and rooftop and façade-integrated solar photovoltaic systems.
The completed redevelopment balances heritage preservation with modern academic needs, creating a highly efficient, flexible campus hub that supports teaching, research, and community life.