September 18, 2026

The University of Waterloo’s Innovation Arena has been named a winner of a 2026 ARIDO Award in the PRESERVE + RESTORE category.  

Designed by Diamond Schmitt, the adaptive reuse project transforms a former 1964 seed warehouse within Kitchener's innovation district into a new home for entrepreneurship, collaboration, and health-tech innovation, serving as the base for Velocity, the University's flagship startup incubator. 

The design reimagines the industrial shell as an adaptable research hub that seamlessly integrates lab and office functions to connect founders, researchers, students, and community partners within an expanded, highly collaborative setting. By connecting previously fragmented floors across its sloped site, the design establishes clear sightlines and intuitive vertical circulation, significantly improving legibility and accessibility across the building. 

At its core, "Velocity Main Street" acts as a continuous internal spine that organizes the entire building, linking labs, offices, meeting rooms, and shared resources. This central route feeds into a multi-height atrium that serves as the social heart of the facility—designed as a highly visible, active space for gathering, mentorship, events, and informal exchange, making innovation processes tangible and reinforcing a sense of shared purpose across users. 

To bring natural light deep into the building, a generous, glazed entrance and sawtooth façade were introduced, improving environmental quality and reinforcing the building's civic presence within the district. 

Throughout the interior, the material strategy balances industrial authenticity with contemporary performance. Retained structural elements are paired with polished concrete, epoxy flooring, glazed partitions, and warm millwork, creating a welcoming space suited to both technical work and social engagement. 

The Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) Awards celebrate design excellence, innovation, and impact across the province. Category winners will be announced at the annual ARIDO Awards Gala on September 17, 2026.

View the 2026 Award finalists on ARIDO’s website.