A Digital Innovation Hub for Enhanced Collaboration

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) asked the design team to create a state-of-the-art, digital health hub for cardiovascular science and research.  In a 3,200 SF shelled space, with limited access to natural light, DLA re-imagined this backroom storage area as a flexible, open, collaborative workspace.  The team took advantage of an adjacent light-filled link to open the space to it with full-height, frameless glass, reinforcing the hub aspect of the design.  The workstations and hoteling pods were positioned between the receiving and collaboration areas at the entrance off the link, and boardroom, quiet room, kitchenette and washrooms at the back of the suite.  The collaborative spaces are articulated by floor-to-ceiling digital wall panels to conceal and integrate all the various audio-visual equipment and technologies.  Particular attention was given to the treatment of the ceiling, employing undulating felt baffles to acoustically dampen the open spaces and further celebrate the center’s significance.  The result is a highly dynamic environment for knowledge sharing and innovation.