I had the opportunity of working with Penner & Associates on the design and build out of the Arbutus Lands Info Centre, a temporary tenant fit-out, which was designed and constructed with sustainable materials. The project was designed so as to be deconstructed when no longer in use and the majority of materials and fixtures were adaptively reused by charitable organizations. Penner & Associates was able to create the design vision, with the end user and the function of the space in mind, while remaining open to client input and responding to onsite conditions. It was a pleasure to work with a team that clearly cares for the work they do and provides personal and professional service throughout the project. —Gordon Easton, Director, Planning & Development Management | Colliers International Consulting

The info centre was created to attract, invite and display public input into the future of the Arbutus Lands corridor, an underutilized rail line. CPR wanted an open, welcoming feel of a storefront community drop-in centre, clearly expressing the transparency of the process and demonstrating sustainability.

The project achieves drama through contrast to provoke public interest, and allow graphics and the corridor aerial photo to be focal points, while providing ambient and task lighting to accommodate visual needs of the public and staff.

As this was a short term occupancy, the interior was designed for ease in disassembly and reuse. Approx 90% of the materials and products were salvaged and donated to local non-profit organizations.