Seeing VCC from the inside out

"Turn the college inside out". That was one of the 'big ideas' that came out of the Campus Master Plan's stakeholder workshop on Nov. 14.

Participants from leadership and a number of VCC departments as well as external stakeholders, such as government and CUPE, were invited for the full-day charrette to help generate additional input for the plan.

By "inside out", participants wanted the future design of the campuses to be literally more transparent so that passersby can see the kinds of educational activity being delivered by VCC.

"We have so many hidden treasures at VCC, such as the 19 kitchens, full salon and spa, and dental clinic," said safety, security and facilities coordinator Ria Krisna Salonga. "We have to show what VCC has to offer."

 

 

Salonga was one of the 40 attendees who participated in small discussion groups. Meeting facilitators from DIALOG, the Canadian architectural firm selected by VCC to deliver the plan, led them through exercises that explored how the campuses would be impacted under various themes.

"I enjoyed the fact that I got to contribute and share my thoughts and ideas," she said. "I learned that VCC's employees are so passionate, excited, and committed with the campus master planning. There are so many great ideas – I think it's achievable."

For Salonga, the other memorable 'ideas' that came out of the day included: "Life after 4 p.m. at VCC; Our VCC is diverse; and, My VCC is my second home."

Input from the charrette and the Ideas Fairs held in October will be consolidated into an engagement summary that will help inform the vision, principles, and design directives for the Campus Master Plan.

Interested in contributing your feedback and ideas? Visit the Campus Master Plan page and join the discussion on Thoughtexchange.