The Martin Lurther University College Addition and Renovation is highly sensitive albeit transformative redevelopment project that provides the College with greater and more appropriate infrastructure commensurate with its current program needs and aspirations for future growth.

Formerly the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, Martin Luther University College is among the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University’s founding institutions. Designed by Kruschen + Daley Architects in the early 60s, the College’s existing two-storey building has many notable features, including a fine central courtyard, iconic bell tower and mature landscape. The carefully curated renovations maintain as much of the original exterior as possible while extensively re-mediating the interior to better suit programming needs: adjusting for right-sized state-of-the-art, technology enabled classrooms; adding substantial student gathering space; enhancing building systems; and improving linkages to courtyard with new sliding glass doors and generous terrace. The most significant change is the removal of the mechanical penthouse at grade in favour of a new formal entrance, anchoring the building more firmly within the campus community with a new, engaging street front, greater visibility from the main thoroughfare and an improved connection with downtown.

Drawing on the idea of outdoor rooms and indoor landscapes, this design offers a more defined and engaged exterior fabric flowing into a more open and interconnected interior fabric all the while preserving the character of this historic campus building.