Campus Lab initiative turns Concordia spaces into a living learning lab
The MacKay Street pedestrianization project highlights how collaborations can develop practical solutions.
Concordia’s campuses are becoming more than just spaces for study — they’re evolving into vibrant hubs for hands-on learning and innovation, thanks to Campus Lab. Launched at a workshop in May, the initiative brings together students, faculty, staff and partners to collaborate on impact-driven projects focussed on Concordia’s campuses.
The workshop and platform launch attracted more than 60 members of the Concordia community. Attendees identified priorities and cultivated project ideas aligned with initiatives such as the Campus Master Plan, PLAN/NET ZERO, Volt-Age, the Sustainability Action Plan and related university priorities.
The event sparked ten projects that tackle challenges in areas like building energy and decarbonization, sustainable mobility, waste management, climate risk assessment and biodiversity.
“At Concordia, we are committed to real-world impact. The Campus Lab initiative advances cutting-edge research by implementing ideas in living labs here on our own campuses,” says Aaron Johnson, associate vice-president of research.
“These projects also strengthen the university’s capacity to expand advocacy in sustainability, while moving us closer to our vision of making our campuses models for sustainable practices.”
The launch attracted more than 60 members of the Concordia community, who came together to identify priorities.
Why participate in Campus Lab?
Campus Lab is designed to support researchers and instructors by providing:
- opportunities to connect with key staff who are leading major campus development efforts,
- insights into the needs, priorities and opportunities tied to university action plans and initiatives,
- experiential learning opportunities for students through course-based, capstone or thesis projects, and
- greater impact and visibility for projects through collaborations and resource sharing.
The MacKay Street pedestrianization project highlights how cross-campus collaborations can lead to practical, implementable solutions. What began as a need identified by the Campus Master Plan became a Campus Lab initiative led by student associations and supported by the Office of the Dean of Students.
Undergraduate students are contributing through an urban planning studio course; graduate students at the Next Generation Cities Institute plan to develop digital twin models of the site; and local government and community organizations, including the Peter McGill Community Table Council, have been actively involved in the planning.
Exploring Campus Lab opportunities
Possible themes for Campus Lab projects are wide-ranging. Interested researchers in sustainable mobility might explore pilot projects for bike infrastructure or e-bike stations. Others could investigate ways to transform underutilized buildings and outdoor areas into functional spaces.
Food systems are another possible area of focus, with opportunities to expand culturally inclusive food options and support Indigenous food sovereignty.
A full list of project ideas is available on the Campus Lab website.
“These engaging, hands-on projects allow faculty to offer students the chance to put theory into practice,” says Rachel Berger, vice-provost for innovation in teaching and learning. “This initiative is part of Concordia’s broader commitment to ensuring that all students benefit from experiential learning opportunities.”
To recommend a Campus Lab project, connect with operational teams or receive support in developing and implementing an initiative, contact Maude Lecourt, senior lead of partnerships and cities: m.lecourt@concordia.ca.
Explore more experiential learning opportunities at Concordia.
