Trifos Design Consultants was commissioned by St. Francis Xavier University of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, to prepare a concept study and cost estimate for a multi-purpose communiplex. The Millennium Centre project is a joint project of the Town of Antigonish, St. Francis Xavier University, and Antigonish County.

The multi-purpose communiplex includes two, regulation sized ice-hockey, sheet surfaces, as well as concert, exhibition, and conferencing space; technology-training facilities; retail space; and a fitness/wellness Centre.

Trifos Design Consultants presented a concept which embraced the original campus language, as established by the architect Jens F. Larsen, who designed over twelve buildings on campus. The existing vocabulary of the Oland Centre masonry design; including Roman, arched facades, was reinterpreted into an arcaded vocabulary for the Millennium Centre Facade. The proportion and rhythm of the Oland Centre narrative is revised in the geometry of the Millennium Centre’s galleria and envelope skin. Taking visual cues from the Italian Rationalist styles, and Shinkel’s German Neoclassicism museums, the proposed language evokes a strong European expression. The existing palette of campus building materials has been incorporated into the design in the form of articulated, crown, cornice mouldings; rusticated masonry; accent, base masonry; and a curved, barrel-vaulted roof.

The design purposely avoids the urge to use international modern styles, or to create a monument to the Architect’s self expression. The design strives to commemorate and celebrate the culture of St. Francis Xavier University, and the inherent building traditions of the community of Antigonish.