Centre for Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation

The Centre for Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation (CCEAI) is a catalyst project for VCC’s Campus Plan. Located in the False Creek Flats District, the CCEAI will not only revitalize VCC’s campuses, but it will also transform the Broadway and Great Northern Way corridor for the surrounding communities.

The CCEAI will provide teaching and experiential learning for VCC students in important clean energy fields that are in high demand and support British Columbia’s training, labour market, and environmental goals for a clean and sustainable future for next generations.

Indigenous influence

The CCEAI also reflects VCC’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.  

The proposed design of the CCEAI was both informed and inspired by the pre-settlement history of the VCC site, specifically the China Creek estuary; the stories shared with the integrated project team by Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations knowledge keepers. 

But it was the significance of the canoe, its relationship with both the land and water, the craft involved in the making of the canoe, and its metaphor for community — as everyone must work together, paddling or pulling as a single entity — that resonated most with all VCC stakeholders. This led to the exploration of design and massing opportunities that conveyed the idea of a traditional Coast Salish canoe as the design of the CCEAI building. 

Canoe

Metal panel, dark in colour to mimic traditional Coast Salish canoes. Angled panels represent a canoe on its journey to completion in the prosess of being carved . Wood details on inside to minimize maintenance and further elude to the Coast Salish canoe narrative.

Water

The atrium is primarily composed of glass for a high degree of publicness and transparency. A slight movement is present on the glazing eluding to the wake of the canoes as it moves through the water. A frit pattern eluding to the water is applied to the glazing in alignment with bird-friendly principles.

Land

A solid cladding with earth-tone colours patterned to represent land. Windows are placed in accordance with interior program requirements.

Automotive programs

The CCEAI is anchored by new automotive programs that will train automotive service technicians on the servicing and maintenance of electric vehicles — battery electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). 

Programs related to clean energy technology (solar, wind, biofuels, geothermal, etc.) will have specialized, flexible lab space on Level 5.

Design programs

The CCEAI will also house VCC’s design and making programs. CAD/BIM, Digital Media, Fashion, and Jewellery are located on the top two levels to facilitate sharing of critique spaces, printing, labs and makerspace. 

Collaborative spaces

Most of the building’s classrooms will be located on levels 2, 5 and 6 creating a physical intersection for students and faculty of the various programs to come together for social exchange. The purpose is to spark opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange, enhance the student experience, and provide opportunities for collaboration.

Rounding out the building space are Student Experience Services, Library, Learning Centre and Learning Commons, Community Commons, Indigenous Gathering Space, and Faculty Administration.

Work on the Centre for Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation (CCEAI), north of the Broadway Campus Building B between Great Northern Way and 7th Avenue, has continued since site clearing and demolition began in the summer of 2024. 

The parkade excavation has removed approximately 49,000 square metres of soil to date. Over 900 soil anchors to retain the shotcrete walls have been installed.

Construction of the concrete superstructure is progressing well with structural works taking place below street level until approximately the end of 2025; the structure will continue to rise above street level in 2026. BC Hydro undergrounding of power lines along Glen Drive, undertaken by Fred Thompson Contractors, is happening at the same time.

Expect intermittent lane and road closures for concrete pumping and other construction activities along East 7th Avenue, Glen Drive and Great Northern Way. Construction noise, increased truck activity, parking restrictions, and altered pedestrian routes around the site – including the roundabout outside Building B – will continue for the duration of the project.

As construction continues, we thank you for your patience and understanding as we work towards enhancing our facilities for future generations of students.