Bird has completed two projects for Dalhousie University: the Collaborative Health Education Building and the Wallace McCain Learning Commons. The CHEB is a five-storey learning facility featuring a 200-seat lecture hall, a library and learning commons, and specially designed homecare, rehabilitation and hospital settings to enable realistic, simulation-based learning. With advanced technological infrastructure, the building enables interactive classes and remote broadcasting.

The WMLC, an addition to the Life Sciences Centre, contains collaborative workspaces, study rooms and meeting spaces. The WMLC has a partial green roof and an ultra-efficient system for heating and cooling, known as variable refrigerant flow. Both facilities are targeting LEED Gold certification. Bird also used virtual design software for the projects to communicate construction phasing to the client via 3D animated renderings.

Challenged by the tight footprint and neighbouring buildings on both project sites, Bird worked with the client and city to effectively communicate and schedule construction activities at favourable times. This ensured classes were not interrupted and road congestion was minimized. After the successful completion of the two projects Bird continues its relationship with Dalhousie University on the four-year phased dentistry clinical renewal project.