New flexible-learning engineering classroom marks major milestone

For generations of engineering students at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), the second-floor engineering computer labs, Alpha, Delta and Gamma were synonymous with long hours at desktop computers working on assignments and labs. Today, those three labs have been transformed into an expansive, flexible learning environment designed for collaboration, creativity and the future of engineering education.

The newly renovated classroom, 2B04, marks a major milestone in USask Engineering’s Innovation, Design, Engineering and Applied Science (IDEAS) project, which includes both strategic renovations and a future expansion to the engineering building.  It is the college’s first significant renovation since 2002 and the addition of the chemical engineering wing.

For many alumni, the space once defined by rows of desktop computers is now a flexible, modern learning space. The classroom has been redesigned to reflect how engineers learn, collaborate and innovate today.

“This renovation is an exciting chapter for our college,” said Michael Bradley, dean of the College of Engineering. “Through the IDEAS project, we are reimagining our spaces to better reflect modern teaching and learning. This classroom is a powerful example of what is possible when we align strategic vision with the generous support of our partners and alumni.”

Supported by funding from the Ministry of Advanced Education, alumni donors and a legacy gift from the William Martin Backlund (BE'54) Estate, the space is now home to a 124-seat classroom that is designed for flexibility and collaboration. The renovation included the removal of existing demising walls and raised computer flooring, replaced with a modern raised-floor system equipped with in-floor power to ensure students have ready access to outlets throughout the space. Upgraded heating, cooling and ventilation systems now support the larger footprint, alongside enhanced power and data capacity.

“Investing in modern, flexible learning environments ensures students have the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world,” Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. “This renovated classroom reflects our commitment to supporting learners with spaces that inspire collaboration and creativity, preparing them for the careers of tomorrow. We’re proud to work with the University of Saskatchewan as it continues to enhance the student experience and strengthen engineering education in our province.”

The flat-floor design allows the room to easily transition between lecture-style delivery and small-group, active-learning configurations. Moveable tables and chairs support multiple layout options, while new flooring ensures adaptability over time. A new ceiling and lighting system brighten the space, and upgraded audio-visual technology enhances both in-person and hybrid instruction.

Writeable surfaces and 360-degree projection capability create an immersive teaching environment. The classroom is fully accessible and designed to support inclusive, collaborative learning experiences.

“My uncle Bill was very proud to be a USask Engineering alum, and I believe he would have been quite delighted to see this classroom and how much learning spaces have changed since he graduated in 1954,” said Scott Engele, William Backlund’s nephew. “He spent 40+ years with Ontario Hydro, including a ten-year secondment in Africa. Even after retirement, his passion for engineering never faded. Two weeks into his retirement, friends invited him to start their own hydroelectric company. They purchased two dams and went on to build two more, all in Ontario. The power generated from these dams was sold back to Ontario Hydro. At age 77, he was awarded the R.R. Dodokin Award to recognize his outstanding contribution to the advancement of waterpower in Ontario, presented by the Ontario Waterpower Association. I think he would be proud, in his kind, humble way, to know that his lifelong curiosity, sense of adventure and dedication to engineering would be inspiring the next generation.”

The completion of Room 2B04 marks an important step within the broader IDEAS Building initiative. In addition to the renovations of the second-floor classroom, construction on the main floor continues as the college nears the final stages of renewing the 1B71 main lecture theatre, uplifted by the generous support of Nutrien and alumni donors, is scheduled to be finished in late fall 2026.

The next phase of the IDEAS project focuses on the transformation of the Hardy Lab into the Engineering Design Hub. When complete, it will be the largest hands-on engineering design space at any Canadian university. With an ambitious $20-million goal, the project is already approaching $9 million raised through donor support from alumni such as Rob and Nerissa Dutton, Jonathan and Chennene Wright, the alumni donors of the Engineering Advancement Trust and corporate partners, Cenovus, Birchcliff Energy, Nutrien and NuVista Energy.

To view more photographs of the renovated space, visit USask Engineering's Flickr Page: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCQeDP 

If you or your organization are interested in supporting the IDEAS project and uplifting the Engineering Design Hub, please contact USask Engineering’s Director of Development, Ashley Drozda at ashley.drozda@usask.ca.

Article originally published at https://engineering.usask.ca