Located in Winnipeg, Red River College Polytechnic’s Manitou a bi Bii daziigae (formerly known as the Innovation Centre Project) facilitates ‘thinking and learning.’ The building offers flexible space, high-tech, and interactive spaces; more importantly, it provides an atmosphere that nurtures creativity and collaboration.

Our design process began by identifying a myriad of essential experiences that inspire innovative thinking. As a guiding principle, all circulation routes are immersed in light—both as a metaphor for the enlightenment that stems from learning and also as a transparent connector, linking disciplines within the college and beyond.

A Roundhouse auditorium anchors the west corner of the new building. It has a high degree of flexibility—with an acoustically isolated space for musical events—to accommodate celebratory and instructional functions.

Front porches between classrooms and the common areas blur the boundary between structured and informal learning. These collaboration zones can double as classrooms or breakout rooms. They can also be booked independently by students for study groups.

All programs overlook and experience the agora, situated at the centre of the building. Accessible from all directions, this generous, daylit space is designed for orchestrated collisions between students and faculty, different departments, industry partners, and the college as a whole.

The Centre, located in the city’s Innovation Alley, will be a destination for an industry that is supported by the emerging entrepreneurial spirit of Winnipeg and its Red River College Polytechnic.