Designed for the Health Sciences Bachelor of Applied Biotechnology and Medical Laboratory Science Programs at Conestoga College’s Doon Campus, the Cowan Centre transforms existing academic classrooms into state-of-the-art laboratories for cutting-edge research. The design needed to meet highly technical requirements while supporting Conestoga College’s vision to “put science on display.” Gow Hastings Architects created bold showcase research spaces not typical of laboratories. The team uncovered a unique opportunity to layer glazed openings, creating visibility into the laboratories and connecting to views of the surrounding forest. Visibility into the bright, light-filled and colourful laboratories help celebrate the innovate research being done.