Mohawk College Students’ Association: Academic design for students by students

Kasian’s long-standing collaboration with the Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA) began with a single renovation and has grown into a multi-project partnership reimagining their home on the Fennell campus. Located on the historic site of the former Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital, the campus retains traces of its past, most notably within the MSA’s pub – The Cellar.

Over the years, the MSA has evolved alongside the student body, expanding to include The Arnie, Alumni Hall, study and collaboration rooms, and a cafeteria corridor. Each project contributes to a cohesive campus identity that honours the site’s history while supporting future growth. Workshops with students shaped a shared vision, aligning their aspirations with the contextual heritage of the site and guiding the strategic phasing of development.

The Arnie, a restaurant and live music venue, marked the first renovation, completed in partnership with the Faculty of Building and Construction Sciences. A student design competition invited Architectural Technology students to propose concepts, with the winning team working alongside Kasian through to construction.

The Cellar renovation highlighted its origins as a former root cellar used by the hospital, preserving original brick archways and integrating murals created by students from the Faculty of Graphic Design. Coordination with the City of Hamilton’s heritage department ensured an efficient permitting process and sensitive preservation.

Together, The Arnie and The Cellar showcase student engagement and inclusive design in shaping a campus that reflects its history and community.

“Involving the students in the design process was very rewarding. They helped transform the cellar interiors from a dark oppressive space into a dynamic and energetic student lounge.” – James Rice, Principal