Creating a more connected student experience.
The South Lobby and surrounding areas of O Building and E Building have been largely vacant for more than eight years. This project will transform that underused space into the future heart of NAIT’s Main Campus -- a centralized student service and success hub that brings essential supports together in one welcoming, accessible location.
Why This Matters
Student Experience
For students already balancing classes, work, deadlines and life outside of school, even small barriers can add unnecessary stress.
That’s exactly the kind of experience NAIT wants to make easier. The South Lobby redevelopment is about more than refreshing a space. It’s about creating a simpler, more welcoming and more connected experience for students. When the renovated space opens, students will be able to access many of the services they need in one central location.
By bringing together services currently spread across NAIT’s Main Campus, the project will meet students where they’re at, making it easier for them to access the support they need, when and where they need it. This will result in improved student mental health, stronger academic outcomes, and enhanced industry partnerships as graduates are better equipped to thrive both personally and professionally.
South Lobby will become a central hub for connection, resources, and proactive support, benefitting the entire NAIT community.
Accessibility
The updated South Lobby design will create a more open, accessible and inclusive environment for students, staff and visitors.
Some of the accessibility improvements include:
- Wider corridors (where possible), flexible seating and clear pathways to better accommodate mobility devices and a range of user needs.
- Clear wayfinding, high-contrast finishes and signage to make the space easier to navigate, including for individuals with low vision.
- Open, connected spaces to improve access to programs and services.
- Thoughtful acoustics and noise management to support comfort, communication and focus.
Together, these changes will help create a welcoming environment that supports a broad range of physical, cognitive and sensory needs.
Campus Connection
Transforming an underused space into a vibrant destination that strengthens campus life and community. Students will spend less time navigating campus and more time connecting with support and each other. At its core, the future South Lobby is intended to be a welcoming place for student support — somewhere students can start when they have a question, need help or are unsure where to go next. Whether students arrive knowing exactly what they need or simply know they need help, the goal is to connect them to the right service quickly and efficiently.
The South Lobby Redevelopment is a key project within NAIT's Campus Development Plan and supports NAIT’s vision to serve more students on Main Campus.
Learn more about the Campus Development Plan
What student services are being considered for South Lobby?
- Learning Services
- Counselling
- Careers
- Apprenticeship Office (Advising Functions only)
- Work Integrated Learning
- Academic Advising (a future-state of advising)
- NAITSA Peer Support
- Sound Booth (Radio Kiosk)
- IT Service Desk & OneCard
Exactly which services will ultimately call South Lobby home is still being finalized and may evolve as NAIT's needs change.
That flexibility is intentional.
Since planning first started, new developments — including the Advanced Skills Centre — have influenced conversations about the future mix of services in the space. Rather than designing for today's needs alone, the goal is to create an environment that can adapt alongside students and the institution itself.