January 5, 2024 – The redevelopment of University of Calgary’s MacKimmie Complex and the Hunter Student Commons building is giving students space and resources to become entrepreneurs. With an entire floor dedicated to the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking, the 381,000 sq. ft., four-story building is now the permanent home of the Hunter Student Commons.
“It’s really important to have a central space for the community to demystify entrepreneurship,” says former Hunter Hub executive director, Keri Damen. “We might have people come in here who aren’t sure about innovation ecosystem. The hub makes it tangible and helps people know each other and support each other to build their businesses.”
The Hunter Hub provides spaces and programming to help students develop an innovation mindset – students work with start-ups and launch their own ventures with the guidance of both faculty and experienced entrepreneurs. This attracts both students and entrepreneurs who are seeking students with skills in creative thinking, communication and collaboration. Bridging this gap between students, schools and the world of work sets students up for success and increases entrepreneurial spirit.
The Hunter Hub features spaces that support both large group socializing and individual quiet time. “The Collision Space” is a multi-use gathering area used for brainstorming, planning and collaboration with an adaptable design that can be configured as a theater, classroom, meeting location or reception space for groups of up to 80. “The Innovation Sandbox” is a dedicated space for University of Calgary startup teams, featuring startup desks, an open kitchen and private meeting rooms. There are also spaces for individuals who want to focus, make confidential calls or participate in virtual meetings. Break away spaces include freestanding Hush booths, furnishings like pergolas and high-back seating for private conversations or small meetings.
Haworth’s dealer partner, Heritage Business Interiors Calgary, led this project.