Niagara College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus is located in a distinct geographical region in Southern Ontario, situated between Lake Ontario to the North and the Niagara Escarpment. Moderating weather effects of this area create a micro climate suitable for growing grapes. This unique ecology provides the environment for Niagara College to offer programs and “hands-on” learning in food and beverage, hospitality and tourism, and horticulture in what is known as the Canadian Food and Wine Institute (CFWI).
The College wished to expand and enhance the CFWI to accommodate enrolment growth and elevate the school’s profile and position as Canada’s premier college for culinary food and fermentation sciences in a new 12,000 square foot addition. The addition will join the east-facing facade of the existing building, and run east-west to maximize views to the Niagara Escarpment to the South. New program spaces will include a state-of-the-art Baking and Pastry Lab, a Temperature Controlled Chocolate Room, a Wine Tasting Lab, Sensory Tasting Labs, and a large central storage facility.
Traditionally, many culinary institutions confine their kitchen labs to rear and basement kitchens. The addition to the CFWI will incorporate large span glazing, natural light, and wide views to the escarpment and the rest of the campus. By placing these kitchen labs on the ground level, student chefs will be visible in a “culinary performance” that reflects the importance of hands-on, interactive learning.
The shipping and loading dock area will be obscured with a tall aluminum screen, creating architectural interest and prominence to an otherwise unsightly yet vital function of the facility.
