A living, learning laboratory

The campus landscape is at the core of every post-secondary academic institution. Like a university's programming, faculty, and student population, the campus landscape evolves to accommodate the times. The best universities celebrate their past, provide for their present, and plan for their future. Originally founded in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University has a rich history of academic excellence as well as built form. Since its inception, The University has been deeply embedded within the town of Antigonish and has played a significant role in the regional economy, with a student population that equals that of the Town at approximately 4,300. 

The St. Francis Xavier Campus Plan provides both a vision and road-map for the future. The Campus Plan takes cues from the 2017 Strategic Plan, which identified that St. FX is a “unique campus environment, rooted in strong tradition, is centered around social engagement, and fosters a sense of purpose, community and active citizenship.” 

To create a Campus Plan that would best serve the community of St. FX, Fathom Studio developed several guiding principles for direction. These principles included: placing priority on pedestrian circulation and relocating vehicular traffic and parking to the perimeter of campus; utilize interior and exterior spaces as living learning laboratories; enhance the St. Francis Xavier identity and campus image though the cohesion of landscape and architecture elements; determine areas for building expansion to strengthen the core campus and incorporating the Strategic Plan’s goals for accessibility and inclusivity. 

The Campus Plan will guide demolitions, renovations, re-developments, and new developments, both in landscape and building to move the campus forward in a cohesive manner. While projects are often isolated, this Campus Plan ensures that there is an understanding of the future adjacencies. The visualization envisions a campus that places the overall student experience as its top priority.

Status

Completed 2019

Our Role

Planning

Client

St. Francis Xavier University

Location

Antigonish, Nova Scotia