A new multi-purpose 500-seat auditorium and academic space has opened at Royal Roads University (RRU). The Dogwood Auditorium is the largest conference space on the Westshore and is available for public event bookings, starting in January 2022.
“This building is a fantastic example of our government working with post-secondary institutions to invest in infrastructure that supports students and communities,” said Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training Anne Kang. “Renovating this historic space for a modern purpose creates a place for students to learn and for RRU to engage with the community, lean into partnerships and welcome everyone to their beautiful campus.”
The multi-purpose academic and presentation space was a swimming pool that was used by the former Royal Roads Military College. The pool, built in 1959, was decommissioned in the early 2000s. Prior to the renovation, the building was used for the university’s squash courts and locker rooms.
The front entrance features a new art piece titled All My Relations designed by Kwakwak’awakw artist Carey Newman, inspired by conversations with Asma-na-hi Antoine, RRU’s director of Indigenous engagement. The heritage facade of the building was preserved where possible in the design of the new auditorium.
Environmental sustainability and innovation are key aspects of the Dogwood Auditorium. The transformed building has an environmentally innovative geo-exchange energy system, which will help the university meet its targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions. Design features will increase the energy efficiency of the building, reducing its reliance on traditional heating sources.
In addition to the auditorium, which has retractable seating and a partition that can split the room in two, the building also features a smaller multi-purpose room, media services room and a meeting room.
Construction of the 415.2 million project was delivered by Durwest Construction
