CASE STUDY

The Nichol building at Carleton University was constructed as a space for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community to engage and find solutions to business challenges. The idea for the building was conceived in 2004, as part of the Sprott School of Business's three objectives of obtaining faculty status, securing a dedicated building, and achieving accreditation by AACSB. The building was expected to create a business-oriented environment that attracts busy business leaders to participate in university programs. However, during a visit, a lack of space for student and faculty interaction was noticed, necessitating the need for a new facility to promote collaboration between all members of the community. A building was considered essential for creating a sense of community, building partnerships, and collaborations necessary for a Business School.

The Sprott School of Business at Carleton University needed better facilities for continuous program improvement, which was recommended by an accreditation team. After receiving AACSB accreditation in 2013, an updated proposal was developed, aligning with the university's strategic plan and emphasizing the need for construction to keep up with the growth in the undergraduate program and resources provided by other business schools in Canada. The new building would provide more space for international MBA students, align with strategic plan themes, and benefit the university in terms of enrollment, faculty attraction and retention, and business involvement. The Board of Governors approved the full faculty status of the Sprott School of Business in 2005 and appointed Dr. Jerry Tomberlin as the new Dean in 2008, who pursued strategic initiatives such as pursuing the A.A CSB accreditation.

The Sprott School of Business at Carleton University in Canada initiated a building project in response to accreditation requirements and program growth. The new building was designed to provide modern classrooms, multi-use spaces for entrepreneurship projects, encourage research collaboration, and accommodate more international students. Funding was initiated by a $10 million donation from alumnus Wesley Nichol, and the project was approved by the Board of Governors in October 2017. Construction began in June 2018, and the full building was scheduled to be completed by 2020, with the design led by Toronto's Hariri Ponta Rini Architects.

The Nickel Building at Carleton University, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, was officially approved by the Board of Governors in October 2017 and construction began on June 19th, 2018, scheduled to finish in 2020. The building was designed to promote a sense of intimacy and collaboration and features a sustainable void concrete slab system and winding stairs inspired by the shape of human DNA. The building permit process was challenging, and the design was made to remain flexible to meet evolving needs. The classrooms were equipped with quality furniture and technology for future needs. Dana Brown, the new Dean of the Sprott School of Business, helped shape the interior of the building and streamlined communication among stakeholders.

The Nickel Building at Carleton University faced challenges in meeting building permit requirements, staying within budget, and selecting partners who shared the values of sustainability and ethical practices. The building's design prioritized flexibility and collaborative learning environments, with furniture and technology selections made to create a cohesive vision. Communication was streamlined to overcome challenges, and a coffee and food partner was selected to be an active part of the community. The completion of the building marked the end of a decade-long project and was designed to foster collaboration and community through classroom spaces, collaborative areas, and an innovation hub. Although the project went over budget, decisions were made to overcome challenges and prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. The building is designed to continue evolving and developing over time.

QUESTION:

Provide an example of how this project incorporated a megatrend regarding project managing a better future.