Art School Redux

Emily Carr University’s new Vancouver digs look to the future while remaining faithful to the past.

- Akiva Blander

The pristine, well-resolved shell of Emily Carr University of Art + Design’s new building in Vancouver belies the project’s convoluted backstory. Diamond Schmitt Architects had been thrilled when several years earlier it had won a high-profile competition to design a campus for Canada’s top art school. But elation turned to shock after administrators suddenly scrapped the plans.

“I remember walking out of the meeting where [university president Ron Burnett] was saying, ‘So park all of that. In fact, get rid of it. We want to start again,’ ” recalls Donald Schmitt, principal of his namesake Toronto-based firm. “It seemed painful at the time, but I honestly think we got a better result for it. I have a few white hairs as a result.”