Essex Centre of Research

University of Windsor

The design for the Essex Centre of Research (Essex CORe) was inspired by a desire to merge the dense work of science with the welcoming, collegiate, and natural environment of the University. Working in collaboration with NORR and Amico, the lab spaces were designed with large, highly functional, and unobstructed floor plates to create flexible, open working areas.

The design goes further by integrating research labs and collaborative spaces, creating an environment where industry and academia work together. Immersed in a unifying architectural gesture and expression, ‘lab’ and ‘collab’ coexist to foster the synergy required for scientific research.

Custom-fritted glass fins—featuring vertical patterns inspired by nature—create a shimmering effect, making Essex CORe stand out as a landmark on campus.

Project Facts
Client
University of Windsor
Location
Windsor, ON
Status
Completed 2018
Size
46,000 sq. ft.
Partner
Siamak Hariri
Selected Awards

2020 – Ontario Association of Architects, Design Excellence Award

2020 – Ontario Association of Architects, People's Choice Award

Recent Press

OAA – Ontario Association of Architects Reveals Design Excellence & Service Award Winners

Physical Model Study

Essex CORe is a crystalline showcase for flexible, functional, and innovative research at the University of Windsor.

Visible from the campus to the east and the Ambassador Bridge to the west, the building appears as a floating beacon of the creativity and innovation happening within, with floor-to-ceiling glazing that provides direct views into meeting and research spaces.

The custom fritted glass fins, featuring vertical patterns inspired by nature, create a shimmering effect, making Essex CORe stand out as an attractor.

The entrance vestibule opens directly to the core of the building—an interconnected, three-storey, full-height ‘hive’ space. The ‘hive’ serves as a circulation core between Essex CORe and the adjacent Essex Hall. With seven levels of differing floor heights, the hive allows the floor plates to meet and the various meeting rooms to hover over each other in a wood-lined social ‘tree hive.’

The lab spaces feature large, highly functional and unobstructed floor plates to create flexible and open working areas.