April 27, 2006 Source: :
http://www.ucalgary.ca/news/april06/architects-chosen.html Architects named for first projects in $1-Billion U of C expansion program Architects have been selected for two key University of Calgary projects, part of the $1-Billion capital expansion plan that began with the groundbreaking last month for the Campus Calgary Digital Library. The innovative buildings present unique challenges and exciting opportunities, technologically and environmentally. Kasian Architecture, Interior Design and Planning will lead design work for the $113-million Campus Calgary Digital Library (CCDL). Cohos Evamy (in association with Busby Perkins + Will) will work on the $150-million Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy (ISEEE) – Phase One. The CCDL and ISEEE buildings are two of the U of C’s top priority capital projects. The capital expansion, the largest single expansion in the University of Calgary’s 40-year history, will add space for another 7,000 students by 2010. "We are delighted to have designers of this caliber working on our projects," said U of C President Dr. Harvey Weingarten. "These buildings, in design and function, will be striking and important additions to the landscape of the university, Calgary, and beyond." "We’re thrilled to be continuing our work with the U of C," said Kasian principal Bill Chomik, "especially on the library, the most significant building on any university campus. The U of C’s digital library will set a benchmark for university libraries in Canada and around the world." To address some of the digital library’s specialized requirements, Kasian has brought on board the Sextant Group, a top North American digital technology consulting firm. Cohos principal Jim Goodwin said working on the university’s most important research and development facility will be an exciting challenge. "ISEEE will be in a highly visible location, and is a wonderful opportunity for us to bring our experience in R and D design to the U of C," he said. "This building makes a strong statement to the community about the university’s commitment, not only to sustainable design, but also to an extremely high standard of multidisciplinary research." Both facilities will be designed as "green" buildings with targets for sustainable building practices, operating energy efficiency and other environmental indicators established under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and evaluated by the Canada Green Building Council. As part of the university’s commitment to be a leader in sustainability, all new buildings will be designed with platinum LEED certification — the highest level — as the goal. Kasian is the prime consultant for the new Calgary Courts Centre in downtown Calgary, the new Alberta Children’s Hospital, and in 1999, the U of C’s Cascade Hall residence. With more than 225 dedicated professionals in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, the firm has won numerous awards for their work. Cohos Evamy is responsible for the Crowfoot branch of the Calgary Public Library, the first LEED-registered building in Calgary. They also designed the U of C’s Calgary Centre for Innovative Technology and the Health Research Innovation Centre. Partner Busby Perkins + Will is considered a world leader in the design of sustainable environments. The university used a new selection process to match the significant size and scope of these projects, in which local architects will be the "executive architects" and will work with the university to choose "signature architects," who will be internationally accomplished. Together, the executive and signature architects will help the U of C achieve world-class designs to reinforce the values and aspirations of the university and redefine the character of the campus. Signature architects will provide design leadership and international experience, while executive architects will implement the vision and manage the building process. The innovative partnerships are expected to produce remarkable results. "As the university moves forward, we are rethinking approaches to support the creation of exciting and exceptional architecture and design," says Brian Sinclair, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Design and presidential advisor on design. "This new selection process will bring a heightened appreciation for excellent architecture — and the best in the world to do it — to the campus and community." Kasian and Cohos Evamy will work with key individuals at the university to choose the signature architects by the end of May. With construction scheduled to begin this fall, the CCDL will support a new way of learning at the U of C, and will also be a new service centre, bringing Information Resources, Learning Commons, Student and Academic Services, and Information Technology into one location. The CCDL is Calgary’s "gift to Calgary" in recognition of the community’s support of the university in its 40-year history. Once complete in 2008, the public will also be able to access the library’s digital information universe. ISEEE’s mission is to invest in collaborative, multidisciplinary and mission-oriented research, education and innovation to advance secure, competitive energy supplies for a sustainable, clean environment and a strong economy. With many research projects already under way, ISEEE will involve 1,000 new students and 90 to 100 faculty over the next three or four years. For more information: Laurie Drukier
Communications Advisor
Campus Infrastructure
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ldrukier@ucalgary.ca __________ Gregory Harris
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