UNews - Brian Sullivan

Science and Academic Building shortlisted for World Architecture Festival award

trevor.kenney — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 20:56:55 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s soon-to-be-completed Science and Academic Building, the centerpiece of the Destination Project, has been shortlisted as a finalist for an award at the World Architecture Festival 2018.

Rendering of the completed Science and Academic Building.

“We’ve always known we were creating something iconic and that this building would set a new standard for science and academic facilities in the country. Now that we’re nearing completion, it’s exciting to see it take shape and be recognized for its design and functionality, which we believe will create a revolutionary teaching and research environment,” says U of L Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Dr. Andy Hakin.

Designed by KPMB|Stantec – Architects in Association, the Science and Academic Building is competing in the Education – Future Project category, with a winner to be announced at the World Architecture Festival in Amsterdam, November 28-30. The U of L project is one of 12 in the category, which includes a trio of Australian buildings, two from both Russia and India, as well as others from Denmark, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Kenya.

“The Destination Project has been an experience of a lifetime,” says Vice-President, Architecture for Stantec, Michael Moxam. “The Integrated Design Process that brought all the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ stakeholders and our incredible design team together has resulted in a vision for the Science and Academic Building that will break new ground in transdisciplinary education and research in science, in environmental sustainability, and in campus building. The iconic landscape that so inspired Arthur Erickson in the design of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall has equally inspired us and this will be clearly evident in the experience of the building.”

A look at construction progress on the Science and Academic Building, April 2018.

Bruce Kuwabara, JV Partner/Co-Project Director at KPMB, says a truly cooperative approach was key to the design of the project.

“This recognition is a testament to deep collaboration between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and our team,” says Kuwabara. “The architecture builds on the past to shape the future: it is inspired by the deep geographical past of the majestic coulee landscape and Canada’s legacy of modernist architecture embodied in Arthur Erickson’s ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall.”

Once completed, the Science and Academic Building will be one of the most advanced facilities for teaching and researching the sciences in the country. Sustainably designed with local climate in mind, students, faculty and community will come together for innovation and discovery. Its open and flexible laboratory environment will encourage and foster research between the sciences, creating opportunities for transdisciplinary collaborations. Ideas will flourish and give students and faculty innovative ways to problem solve with more resources available than ever before.

Brian Sullivan, Destination Project program director, says construction on the Science and Academic Building will be completed in Spring 2019 with its first intake of students in the 2019 Fall Semester.

“Construction is progressing very well with interior fit outs and landscaping well underway,” says Sullivan. “It’s always exciting to see the end of a project approaching and we look forward to opening the doors and realizing its completion.”

The World Architecture Festival is dedicated to celebrating, sharing and inspiring outstanding architecture. It is the only architecture event where keynote talks from the industry’s most influential figures sit alongside live judging presentations from over 500 award finalists plus global networking and an international product exhibition. Held in Amsterdam this year, the WAF awards sit at the heart of the festival, the only global awards program where architects present their completed buildings and future projects live to a panel of internationally renowned judges and delegates from around the world.

For more information, check out the World Architecture Festival and the Education – Future Project category.

Local companies investing in southern Alberta’s future

trevor.kenney — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 22:45:16 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s new Science and Academic Building is set to be the home of innovation for southern Alberta and beyond. The most sustainable building on the Lethbridge campus to date, the building will also showcase the work of some of southern Alberta’s most skilled trades and services.

Southern Alberta businesses show they can compete with large national companies on the bidding stage.

Derochie Painting Ltd. is just one of many local companies who were awarded a contract on the building. Owner and operator, Bob Derochie, says being involved with a project of the new Science and Academic Building’s size and calibre is a credit to the reputation the company has built over the past 35 years.

“When my father started the business out of his garage in Coaldale in 1979, I’m not sure he would have envisioned where it’d be today,” says Derochie. “While the business has substantially grown over the years, our work ethic has stayed the same. If you’re honest with the client and work hard, the projects will come.”

Destination Project Program Manager, Brian Sullivan, says while it’s great to work with trusted local names like Derochie amongst many others, it shows that southern Alberta businesses can compete with large national companies on the bidding stage.

“As is required, PCL Construction Management Ltd. put the tender out for the construction of this building far and wide,” says Sullivan. “It’s been incredible to see so many locally-based companies coming in so competitively, not only in their price, but in the high standard of work they put out too. These local guys were up against some big names in the industry, so it was great to see them being awarded this contract.”

One other local business benefitting from the project is Floor Right. Owner and U of L alumnus, Darryl Moore (BMgt ’02) says being involved in the construction of the building is a continuation of a long-standing relationship with the U of L.

“Floor Right has been involved with every capital project at the U of L since the early-2000s,” says Moore. “It shows that we’re not only doing outstanding work but that we’re doing it honestly and maintaining a competitive edge.”

Moore goes on to say being involved with local projects is not only good for business but it’s good for the area.

“Being based in a city that is home to a university and college, you see the benefit of contributing to these institutions,” says Moore. “Each year, we see new growth in the population and with that comes new ideas and innovation. It’s exciting to think about the day my kids could be walking on the floors that I helped to install on this project.”

Working locally and investing locally is a sentiment Millwork Innovations III (MI3) owners, Willy Reger & Jill Chouinard, share with Moore. Reger came to Canada from Germany in the early 2000s and says southern Alberta has been a welcoming community and one he’s thrilled to be able to contribute to.

“When we get the opportunity to work locally, we’re always ecstatic,” says Reger. “Getting to help your community grow and expand is something we really enjoy and value at MI3. Our staff take great pride in being able to point to something in their own city and say, I helped build that.”

With more than 20 local trades and companies contributing to the construction of the new Science and Academic Building, the project is definitely an investment of more than just money in the local economy. The sense of pride and hard work that is shared between each of these companies is palpable and one the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is excited to be able to showcase when the building opens in the fall of 2019.

Students step into the future

trevor.kenney — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 22:36:22 +0000

For a group of current ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge students, the future home of science became a reality recently when they took a step onto the construction site of the new Science and Academic Building.

Members of the Organization of Residence Students (ORS) and residence advisors Kate Potts, Jaylyn Potts, Brady Hornung, Adam Geib and Kya Zoretich were among those given a tour of the building. Having never been on a construction site of this size before, the students say they were left in awe after the tour.

“The main atrium when walking into the building was most impressive to me,” says ORS President, Hornung. “The obvious appeal of having a giant glass wall overlooking the coulees is going to make the space feel very open and welcoming. The way the project is built around this main atrium with offices, meeting rooms and classrooms will create such a positive energy for this hub at the heart of the Science and Academic Building.”

For Kate Potts, ORS vice-president of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, learning how the building is designed to enhance transdisciplinary work was enlightening.

“I enjoyed seeing how bright and open the space is going to be as well as hearing about the thought that went behind each and every decision made for the project,” says Potts.

Leading the tour of the building was an especially significant highlight for Program Director, Brian Sullivan.

“Students are going to benefit so much from having a state-of-the-art facility to learn and explore in. Being able to show this group of students the spaces they’ll be getting to experience and seeing the amazement on their faces was truly wonderful,” says Sullivan.

As for contributing to the student experience, Vice-President of Coulee View, Adam Geib says the new building will be a huge positive for the future of U of L students.

“I think this building is going to improve the lives of students greatly,” says Geib. “I think it will not only allow for more opportunities to be taken by students who are in the sciences, but as well I think that it will allow other programs to expand and get new spaces of their own since the science labs will be moved over. This building will put the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in the forefront for research and will allow students to experience things they would not have before.”

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community comes together in record support of ULSU Food Bank

trevor.kenney — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 18:52:33 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community and its extended partners have come together to help make the Christmas season a little brighter for U of L students by stocking the shelves and raising more than $12,000 for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU) Food Bank.

The food and fundraising drive has helped to ensure that U of L students will not be turned away in their time of need and can continue to pursue their academic goals.

"Considering the current economic climate, it should come as no surprise our food bank is being utilized by students (both undergraduate and graduate) at record breaking numbers,” says ULSU President Cameron Howey. “Our students need support more than ever and it is amazing how the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community has come together in support.”

The various initiatives that contributed to the food bank included virtually every corner of campus. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Board of Governors, Senate and General Faculties Council participated in a pass-the-hat fundraiser; Faculties facilitated piggy bank donations and a chili cook-off event; the IT and Finance departments engaged in their annual challenge; the Registrar’s Office held its annual peanut butter/jam fundraiser and a host of other initiatives all contributed to the cause.

“It is inspiring to witness our community come together and raise money to make sure no student goes hungry,” adds Howey. “Through the support of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community, we are happy to say we have not turned a single student away from the food bank this year. We were also thrilled to see the effort of many partners of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.”

The fundraising efforts extended to community business partners such as the U of L Bookstore, Starbucks Coffee, The Coffee Co. and others.

PCL Construction Management Ltd., the lead construction contractor for the U of L’s Destination Project, also got in on the act through a campaign that collected donations for both the ULSU Food Bank and three local families.

“We adopted three local families who needed a little extra help this Christmas along with making a cash and food donation to the ULSU,” says Anna Slater, PCL field office manager. “We were so overwhelmed with the response that not only U of L Destination Project staff and PCL staff made, but our trade contractors, too.”

Brian Sullivan, the U of L’s project director for the Destination Project, says the sense of community on campus is real.

“I feel so fortunate to have a great job and sadly there are many who aren’t in the same position right now,” says Sullivan. “That’s a sentiment that is clearly shared on this project as our trades, contractors and staff gave so generously. It’s a wonderful way to come together as a group and give back to the community and U of L students.”

Howey says students are fully aware of the support they receive on campus and are sincerely thankful for the generosity of the community.

“This is the largest amount we have ever raised during the lead-up to the holiday season,” he says. “In addition to all the efforts of our U of L community, this donation from the people involved with the Destination Project shows they are not only invested in the building, but also invested in bettering the student experience. On behalf of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge students, thank you. You’ve made this holiday season much brighter.”

Boots on the ground; Destination Project powers ahead

m.williams — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 16:02:24 +0000

As the winter months quickly approach, work on the Destination Project is far from slowing down. ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ President, Dr. Mike Mahon, recently toured the construction site and says the progress is remarkable.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ President Dr. Mike Mahon gets an on-the-ground update on the progress of the Destination Project build.

“I toured the site in early September and in that short amount of time it has undergone incredible change,” says Mahon.

The progression of the build has been moving ahead thanks to the considered planning, management and work of PCL Construction Management and U of L staff. The Destination Project has a hardworking team of project managers and administrators based in the construction trailer office on site. Project Director Brian Sullivan says the team working on the science and academic building is one of the best he’s worked with to date.

“The Destination Project is the biggest construction project this campus has seen, with the exception of the original ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall building. There are so many moving pieces that go into a project of this size and having a team that works well under that type of stress is absolutely essential. Better yet is that we still manage to have a laugh in the process,” says Sullivan.

Board of Governors Chair, Kurt Schlachter (BSc ’00), says adding to the success of the build is the quality of local industry partners.

“Southern Alberta is home to some of the best trades and supply companies in the industry. Companies like D.A Electric Ltd., Reive Plumbing and Heating Ltd. and Maverick Concrete Ltd. are all based in our community and we’re able to directly inject significant dollars into the local economy by simply hiring the best in the business. It’s a win-win situation,” says Schlachter.

Board of Governors Chair, Kurt Schlachter (BSc ’00) listens as Project Director Brian Sullivan updates the group on the progress of construction.

In addition to the construction industry adding to the smooth progression of the Destination Project, faculty input has been key in the planning and design stages of the new science and academic building. Mahon believes without the careful consideration and time from faculty and staff, the end result would be a mere shadow of what we will see with the final product.

“Having faculty input and opinion in the design stage was paramount to ensuring the Destination Project is a success not only for students and the southern Alberta community, but for our talented team of researchers and faculty,” says Mahon. “It will ensure our own people are equipped with the resources they need to power ahead in their research and make new and exciting discoveries right here at home.”

Dr. Janay Nugent (BA '95) and Students' Union President, Cameron Howey enjoy a tour of the Destination Project.

With the final concrete raft slab pour taking place in the coming weeks, the next significant milestone will be the addition of a second tower crane in mid-November. Take a tour from above the future home of science in southern Alberta by watching fly-over drone footage at destinationproject.ca.

Wind testing plays role in design of Science and Academic Building

trevor.kenney — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 22:16:32 +0000

If you’ve spent any time in southern Alberta, it’s commonly understood that accounting for wind is a necessary part of any planning process. If you’re embarking on the construction of a Science and Academic Building (SAB) that will shape the future of scientific discovery and community engagement for the next 50 years, it becomes a key element in the building’s design.

In October 2015, Guelph, Ontario-based RWDI Consulting Engineers & Scientists was enlisted to perform a series of tests that would measure all aspects of how southern Alberta’s winds would interact with KPMB|Stantec Architects’ proposed SAB design. From exhaust dispersion to clean air intake to pedestrian wind patterns, snow drifting and everything in between, the comprehensive tests helped shape design alterations for KPMB|Stantec, as well as wind mitigation techniques for areas around the new building.

The 1/300 scale model of the U of L campus in the RWDI wind tunnel.

“This is the most significant project the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has undertaken since the construction of the original ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, and it will radically alter the landscape of our campus,” says Brian Sullivan, program director for the Destination Project office. “It is a simple, flexible and adaptable layout but because of its sheer size and capacity, adding 36,000 sq. metres to the campus footprint, it is imperative we complete our due diligence on every aspect of its design, including how wind will affect its performance.”

The testing involved the creation of a 1/300 scale model of the U of L campus, including the new SAB. The model was then placed on an eight-foot diameter disc in RWDI’s wind tunnel and subjected to a multitude of wind speeds and directions.

“We got involved early on in the project, when things weren’t solidified from a mechanical design perspective, so we were able to work with the mechanical engineer and provide input as the building developed,” says Sonia Beaulieu, senior project manager with RWDI.

A closer look at the SAB design in advance of water flume testing.

The testing then included measuring emissions from exhaust stacks by pumping carbon monoxide through small copper pipes that replicate the stacks in the building.

“We then measured the carbon monoxide concentrations at each of the fresh air intakes or sensitive pedestrian locations. We do that for a full array of approaching wind directions and varying wind speeds,” says Beaulieu. “Once we got our results, we then combined it with meteorological data and figured out how often a worst-case scenario could develop in each location. It all adds up to pieces of information that can be used by the design team to give them a better understanding of how they can optimize the building systems.”

In addition to air quality, the building was also tested to determine how it could affect the surrounding wind environment.

“We used different sensors for this, about one centimetre tall, that were placed on the model to represent pedestrian sensitive areas, like entrances, walkways and the viewing area on the roof.”

The wind was turned on again and measurements taken to determine if the wind environment was going to be suitable for the intended use of each area. When it’s not, mitigation techniques such as landscaping and windscreens are recommended.

The final round of testing conducted by RWDI involved immersing the entire campus model in a water flume.

Following testing in the water flume, fine sand accumulates in areas on and around the SAB, representing possible snow drifting.

“We released a very fine sand in the water, upstream of the model, and then as the water and sand flowed over the model, the sand accumulated around it in a similar way you’d see ground snow drift around a building or accumulate on a roof,” says Beaulieu. “What that allows us to understand is where snow is most likely to accumulate with the predominant wind conditions in the winter, and to then make decisions around whether our entrances are in the best or worst possible spot, are we facing a lot of snow removal costs and so on.”

From an overall perspective, the building’s design fared very well.

“We saw some favourable results, especially on the air quality side,” she says. “From a pedestrian wind standpoint, there are some areas that maybe are a little windier than we would like, but in working with KPMB|Stantec, we’re able to implement some mitigation measures that will ultimately improve those conditions, along with the snow accumulations.”

The focus of the design work now moves inside the SAB where RWDI is assisting with acoustics, noise and vibration.

“We are helping them to design partitions, walls and glazing, all different elements within the building to help with the acoustics of lecture theatres, classrooms and labs,” says Russ Lewis, a senior consultant in RWDI’s Calgary office.

The open concept of the SAB’s expansive atrium with adjoining laboratory and classroom space is intended to create an atmosphere of collaboration and allow for visitors to look in on research activities. At the same time, those working in labs need minimal outside distraction.

“It creates some interesting design challenges for us,” says Lewis. “We’ll look at opportunities to mitigate the effects of those open spaces and try to understand the implications of certain design decisions. We’re looking for a balance between visibility and privacy, all the while trying to make sure we stay within design limits that still allow the various activities to take place without too much intrusion.”

The work is one more piece in the grand puzzle that is designing a state-of-the-art building that will showcase academic and research activities at the U of L for years to come.

Destination Project's schematic design approved

trevor.kenney — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 16:36:09 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Board of Governors recently approved the schematic design for the Destination Project, clearing the way for the transformational project to progress to its next stage – design development.

More than 60 stakeholders, involving more than 200 hours of input, have been involved in developing the building floor plate and integrating the research and teaching needs for all the major program areas.

In October 2014, the Board approved a design concept (The Hub), allowing for the Destination Project to advance to the schematic design phase. Since that time, more than 60 stakeholders, involving more than 200 hours of input, have been involved in developing the building floor plate and integrating the research and teaching needs for all the major program areas.

The Project Steering Committee was guided by a transdisciplinary research theme, and through the concept of developing large, shared research labs, the project continues to take shape.

“This is so much more than determining the layout of an office or what wall goes where, this is our opportunity to shape the way we teach and conduct research at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge for the next 50 years,” says Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Dr. Andy Hakin. “That is why we have devoted so much time and effort in the consultation process, trying to get as much input as we can from our stakeholders as we contemplate how best to deliver post-secondary education in the future.”

An interactive, life-size mock-up of a teaching and lab area was constructed with the help of the Faculty of Fine Arts, transforming the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall Atrium into a space that is reflective of the vision of the project. For the past month, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community has been able to tour the mock-up and offer feedback.

“This was an outstanding exercise because the 21st century labs that we are developing are so radically different than what our faculty members are used to, it was important for them to see it in a full-scale form so that they could get a feel for what was being proposed,” says Brian Sullivan, director of the Destination Project Office. “It was also very valuable for us in terms of the feedback we received, giving us insight into the finer details that will help us to best meet the needs of our faculty.”

The next four months will see a room-by-room analysis of every individual space in the new building – the Design Development phase.

Superweek for Destination Project features presentation of massing options

trevor.kenney — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 21:42:11 +0000

The Destination Project is gaining momentum and this week marks the fifth superweek of design activities related to the planning phase of the new science and academic building and energy/utility centre that will comprise the two new buildings of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Destination Project.

Representatives from KPMB/Stantec Architects will be sharing three building massing options and gathering feedback from the campus community.

“Several superweeks of design activities have guided the planning process to date,” explains Destination Project Program Director Brian Sullivan. “The superweeks involve three solid days where the design team meets with members of the Integrated Design Planning Committee (IDPC), made up of more than 20 U of L faculty, senior administrators and facilities staff, to work through many of the building concepts and help advance the design of the project. These integrated design and visioning sessions began in May right after the design team was announced and the group provided significant input over the summer, resulting in the massing options that are being unveiled this week.”

After receiving a significant investment from the Government of Alberta earlier this year, KPMB/Stantec Architects was selected to lead the design process. The team is on campus this week to share the progress of its work to date.

On Wednesday, September 24 at 11:30 a.m. representatives from KPMB/Stantec Architects will be hosting a public presentation in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre to share the three building massing options and to gather feedback from the campus community. If you’re unable to make the presentation, display boards will also be available for viewing at the following locations:

Wednesday, September 24 | 1 to 3 p.m. | ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall Atrium

Tuesday, September 30 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Lobby | 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness

Thursday, October 2 | 7 p.m. | Dr. Foster James Penny Building

After the session on September 24, information will also be available at www.uleth.ca/featured-project/destination and community members are encouraged to provide feedback through the site.

“The planning conducted today, directed by the concerns raised by our community, will serve the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ for the next 50 years,” emphasizes Dr. Andy Hakin, Provost & Vice President (Academic). “Your input is vital and I encourage you to attend and take part in the process.”

The customized integrated design process will provide the framework that will guide the planning for the Destination Project. The ideas and planning concepts that flow from this process will help identify areas for academic collaboration and areas of required specialty for the buildings.

Several key themes have emerged from the discussions to date and have guided much of the decision making process. Creating a supportive environment, creating a transdisciplinary environment, sustainability, signature architecture, and campus and community connectivity remain at the forefront and will be reflected in the building massing options presented this week.

“With key members of the KPMB/Stantec Architects team on hand to answer questions, Wednesday’s presentation will give our community the first look at three massing options for the Destination Project, one of the largest construction undertakings in the history of southern Alberta,” says Hakin. “The options presented this week are an important step on the path for our future, providing incredible opportunities for generations to come.”

This week’s presentation follows closely on the recent announcement that PCL Construction Management Inc. of Calgary will lead the construction of the new science and academic building. The firm, which will also be responsible for building an energy and utility centre needed to support the growing campus, will provide important insight on constructability, logistics, and procurement and scheduling throughout the remainder of the design process and ultimately manage and oversee construction.

“The work undertaken by PCL will be vital to the successful construction of the first phase of the Destination Project,” says Hakin. “I look forward to working with them and would like to thank the Destination Project Steering Committee for their work in selecting both PCL and KPMB/Stantec Architects. This is a very important step for this project.”

Planning for the Destination Project will continue for the next 15 months and will involve more public information sessions to keep the community informed of the progress to date. Construction is scheduled to start in spring of 2016.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge appoints construction manager for new science and academic building

trevor.kenney — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 17:27:01 +0000

PCL Construction Management Inc. of Calgary will lead the construction of a new science and academic building at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge – a key component of the Destination Project.

The firm, which will also be responsible for building an energy and utility centre needed to support the science and academic building, was chosen by the U of L’s Board of Governors based on a recommendation made by the Destination Project Steering Committee.

PCL will provide important insight on constructability, logistics, and procurement and scheduling throughout the remainder of the design process. The firm will then ultimately manage and oversee construction, says Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Dr. Andy Hakin.

“This is a very important step for this project,” says Hakin. “The work undertaken by PCL will be vital to the successful construction of the first phase of the Destination Project.”

In making its recommendation, the steering committee used specific grading criterion – similar to that used to choose KPMB/Stantec Architecture as leads of the design of the project. The selection process included a formal response to the Request for Proposal, formal interviews including on-site interviews, fees and disbursements, and an extensive reference review.

PCL is a group of independent construction companies that carries out work throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and Australia. These diverse operations in the civil infrastructure, heavy industrial and buildings markets are supported by a strategic presence in 31 major centres. Together, these companies have an annual construction volume of more than $7 billion, making PCL the largest contracting organization in Canada and one of the largest in North America. The company’s operations centre for southern Alberta has been located in Calgary since 1947.

PCL has completed projects of similar scale to the proposed U of L project, including the Trades and Technology Complex and Power Engineering Lab at SAIT and the Health Research Innovation Centre and the Teaching, Research and Wellness Building at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary.

The company was also the construction manager for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s first building, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, completed in 1972.

In December 2013, the Government of Alberta announced a $200-million commitment to the Destination Project. Previously, the province invested $12.5 million towards the planning process of the project.

Brian Sullivan, program director for the Destination Project, says that while PCL will be responsible for managing the construction of the overall project, local businesses are expected to undertake a significant portion of the work.

“This project will rely on a lot of local businesses and subcontractors, as all of our major construction projects do. The economic impact of this project on our city will be significant.”

Destination Project moves forward with upcoming superweek

david.kirby — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 18:40:17 +0000

July 15 to 18 is the next superweek of design activities related to the planning phase of the science/academic facility and energy/utility centre that will comprise the two new buildings of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Destination Project.

The ideas and planning concepts that flow from this process will help identify areas for academic collaboration and areas of required specialty for the buildings.

The customized Integrated Design process is the foundation for the framework that will guide the planning concepts for the project. The ideas and planning concepts that flow from the process will help identify areas for academic collaboration and areas of required specialty for the buildings.

The visioning work began in May right after the design team was announced and the second session was held June 16 to 18, 2014, when several members of the KPMB/Stantec teams were on campus. The team met with the representative Integrated Planning Committee (IDPC), made up of more than 20 U of L faculty, senior administrators and facilities staff in a number of vision sessions over a three-day period.

Several key themes have evolved from the discussions to date. Largely driven by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s new Strategic Plan – creating a supportive environment, creating a transdisciplinary environment, sustainability, signature architecture, campus and community connectivity are themes that will guide the decision-making process.

Dr. Craig Cooper, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science and IDPC member, says the new facility needs to be flexible and an inspiring place for people to work.“We need to provide innovative, state‐of‐the‐art research and teaching facilities that will promote engaged, experiential learning and enable leading-edge science,” says Cooper. “We need to incorporate flexibility for the future and create opportunities to engage students through creation of unique spaces that facilitate innovation in research and learning.”

The theme of creating a transdisciplinary environment was explored. Transdisciplinary basically means ‘team science’; it involves scientists and researchers working together to share resources and expertise outside of their traditional disciplines to achieve a common scientific goal. Discussion was had on how the building must be an incubator for transdisciplinary research.

“A liberal education and transdisciplinary research are both about working together to solve a problem,” says IDPC member and U of L biology professor Dr. Elizabeth Schultz. “Research benefits from different perspectives, different approaches. Students learn from and appreciate the value of work done by other disciplines, creating well-rounded individuals. It benefits students and researchers by allowing them to place their work in a greater context.”

Given the size of the project, the themes of sustainability and signature architecture were considered to be important strategies to both recruit and retain faculty and students. The design team will begin to review programme elements, location and typology. They will focus their work on striking a balance between the old (��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall) and the new building.

The final theme, campus and community connectivity, involved conversations about how to redefine a balance between upper and lower campus. Questions about how to use the new structure to establish a ‘sense of arrival’ or ‘new front door’ to campus were also discussed.

Integral to the success of the Destination Project is the construction of a new energy/utility centre that will replace the existing plant in ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall. The centre will provide centralized heating and cooling for most of the buildings on campus. In order to accommodate a new science/academic building, a replacement facility with capacity for expansion is essential to this project.

The group discussed whether the new centre should be connected to the science/academic building, and how it could provide a great opportunity to showcase ‘science on display’ that fits nicely with the U of L’s community outreach mandate.

“The existing plant has no capacity for additional buildings given it is almost 50 years old and in need of replacement,” says Destination Project Director Brian Sullivan. “A number of innovative sustainable options are being discussed regarding the new energy/utility centre (geothermal, solar panels). Nothing has been taken off the table.”

The design phase will involve a focus on the key themes for the next two months with the design of the project always referring back to the themes. This work will guide the content of the project charter that will guide the next steps in the design process. The KPMB/Stantec team will be back on campus numerous times during 2014-15 and the September visit will involve public sessions regarding the design phase and design element options to date. At this time the university community and the general public will have an opportunity to provide input on the work to date. The goal is to have construction starting June 2016.

UNews - Brian Sullivan

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