Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECUAD) is moving into the recently opened Wood Innovation and Design Centre, bringing new programs to be created in partnership with the already announced University of Northern British Columbia wood engineering programs.

The establishment of the Emily Carr Centre for Design Innovation and Entrepreneurship and this partnership will turn WIDC into a wood-focused education hub. Emily Carr and UNBC are currently working together to create a lasting partnership that will provide complementary academic and community programs within WIDC.

The Emily Carr Centre for Design Innovation and Entrepreneurship will focus on art and design-based educational programs and applied research activities, as well as partnerships focused on design innovation and secondary manufacturing with wood and wood-based products.

Emily Carr has launched a consultation with the community and wood industry to determine exact programming to be offered. It’s expected to be completed this spring and new programming are expected to start in the fall of 2016. ECUAD will offer some of its credit and non-credit programs starting this summer.

The WIDC is one of the tallest contemporary wood buildings in North America. The six-storey, 29.5-metre structure is a catalyst for future wood construction around the globe. It features a variety of B.C. wood materials ranging from Douglas-fir to engineered wood products.

It’s also the home of the Media and Broadcast Centre for the 2015 Canada Winter Games being held in Prince George from Feb. 13 to March 1, 2015.

In addition to the two education facilities, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations will be a long-term tenant in the building. With the ministry’s teams located close by, there may be synergies between it and the engineering and design programs being introduced.

Another important mandate of the WIDC is to showcase B.C.’s wood products and processes and expand the province’s international market share. Investors interested in the British Columbia’s forest sector will see first-hand the beauty of B.C.’s forest products when meeting with the ministry’s regional staff to discuss opportunities in the North.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

“The WIDC is truly an example of the potential of B.C. wood products. While the building is making a name for itself around the world for what can be done with wood, it’s also going to be known as an educational centre in British Columbia. We’re excited that the Emily Carr University of Art + Design sees WIDC and Prince George as the next stop for their exceptional programs, many of which will connect with wood and wood based products.”

Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie -

“WIDC is an iconic building representing B.C.’s leadership in wood innovation. The addition of Emily Carr University builds on this legacy by aiming to offer programing highlighting the very same thing.”

Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Advanced Education -

“Courses offered by both Emily Carr University of Art + Design and the University of Northern BC in the WIDC will support students, employers and communities throughout the north. Emily Carr University will work with employers and communities to inform the programs they will offer.”

Mayor Lyn Hall of Prince George -

“The research and teaching component of the new Wood Innovation and Design Centre brings exciting new educational opportunities to Prince George and Northern B.C. Now, aspiring students will have both UNBC’s master of applied science in engineering and master of engineering in integrated wood design programs, as well as Emily Carr’s brand new centre for applied research and education right in downtown Prince George. These programs will help to bolster Prince George’s growing reputation as a world leader in wood research and design.”

Dr. Ron Burnett, president of Emily Carr University of Art + Design -

“Emily Carr University of Art + Design is thrilled to be a tenant and partner of the Wood Innovation and Design Centre in Prince George. The establishment of the Emily Carr Centre for Design Innovation and Entrepreneurship is an exceptional opportunity for our university to contribute to the creative and economic growth of Northern BC. We look forward to developing unique, sustainable partnerships that will bring significant cultural and financial benefits to the region.”

Daniel Weeks, president of University of Northern British Columbia -

“As the University of Northern British Columbia continues to develop our graduate-level programming in integrated wood design, we are keen to build synergies with the Emily Carr University of Art + Design to foster the emergence of the Wood Innovation and Design Centre as a hub of innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and research.”

Quick Facts:

• The WIDC was identified as a government commitment in three throne speeches (February and September 2009, and February 2010).
• The design-build team of PCL Westcoast Constructors Ltd. was awarded the WIDC contract in 2013, a team including Michael Green Architecture Inc. (architects), PCL (construction lead and project manager), Equilibrium Consulting Inc. (structural engineer), B.R. Thorson Consulting Ltd. (code consultant), and RDH Building Engineering Ltd. (building envelope).
• The project has created 250 jobs and helps to showcase B.C.’s expertise in wood construction and design through UNBC’s master of engineering program specializing in wood building and innovation.

Learn More:

B.C. supports Wood Innovation with opening of WIDC:
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/10/bc-supports-wood-innovation-with-opening-of-widc.html

Emily Carr University of Art + Design: http://www.ecuad.ca/

UNBC Engineering: http://www.unbc.ca/engineering/

2015 Canada Winter Games: http://www.canadagames2015.ca/

Naturally Wood: http://www.naturallywood.com/

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training
and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799