Concordia University launches 4TH SPACE -- a dynamic public venue for learning and discovery

The unique platform is designed to inspire researchers and community partners to share their ideas in an 'agile and responsive' environment

MONTREAL, Jan. 18, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - 4^TH SPACE, a dynamic lab and immersive venue designed to bring knowledge and ideas to life, officially opened today on Concordia University's downtown campus. The public space was conceived as a hub where researchers, students and community members can come together to foster diverse, stimulating conversations and translate these into projects that will benefit Montrealers and people all over the world.

"4^TH SPACE takes Concordia's reputation as one of Canada's most open and connected universities a big step further," says Concordia President Alan Shepard. "Agile and responsive, it expands the blueprint of what a university can be and represents what knowledge creation and outreach will look like in the future," he adds.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante is equally enthusiastic about its potential. "I am delighted by the creation of 4^TH SPACE at Concordia University, a space that promotes citizen engagement and the sharing of ideas," she says. "By integrating knowledge, innovation and experimentation, we are able to work more effectively to improve the quality of life for all Montrealers."

A new standard in accessible knowledge

All are welcome to experience and engage with 4^TH SPACE's curated programming, which includes everything from installations to rotating residencies, and special events such as screenings, idea labs, lectures, performances, consultations, hack-a-thons, conferences and more.

Nightly projections extend the experience beyond opening hours of Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

4^TH SPACE is located on the ground floor of the J.W. McConnell Building (1400 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W.).

The current program, Cities: Urban Essentials, features a collection of presentations, workshops, installations and events on topics including climate change, land consumption and sustainable development in Montreal.

Bringing ideas to life

The new venue will provide Concordia students with the opportunity to engage in experiential learning opportunities, share their work with the world and bring their ideas to life.

"Historically, public institutions have not necessarily sought to include us, engage us or solicit our input in these important conversations — 4^TH SPACE is here to help change that," says Nadia Bhuiyan, Concordia's vice-provost of Partnerships and Experiential Learning.

'Research plays a foundational role in moving society forward

Justin Powlowski, associate vice-president of Strategy and Operations, says 4^TH SPACE will help drive Concordia's next-generation research and knowledge in areas such as smart cities, health, cybersecurity and synthetic biology.

"The university is making huge strides in areas that its researchers have identified to have remarkable potential for social impact and innovation," he adds. "But without knowledge mobilization, we were missing an important element that will help this important work move from the specialist and into the hands and minds of a much wider audience."

READ MORE AT www.concordia.ca/4th-space-release.

SOURCE Concordia University

Fiona Downey, Senior Advisor, Public Affairs and Deputy Spokesperson, Concordia University, Cell: 514-518-3336, [email protected]