Veteran architect to lead capital expansion

A senior architect, experienced business leader and community builder is joining the University of Calgary as vice-president (capital planning and development) to lead the most ambitious capital growth plan in the university’s history.

Bob Ellard, a 35-year veteran of the design and architecture industry with experience in both the corporate and post-secondary educational sectors, will join the U of C on July 1. He will oversee the further development and implementation of the university’s capital expansion plan, which currently has more than $900 million in projects approved and either underway or in development. The portfolio is a new addition to the university’s senior leadership team.

Based in Regina, Ellard is currently vice-president, architecture and interior design, facilities planning and operations at Stantec, a position he has held since 2006.

International House adds additional floor

In recognition of the need to quickly expand the university’s residence capacity, an additional floor has been added to the Dr. Fok Ying Tung International House project. The final configuration of the building now totals seven floors, with accommodations for students, university guests and conference groups.

Student bed spaces on three floors will be dedicated to graduate students and upper year undergraduate students. A unique admissions process will bring international students and domestic students together according to their shared interests.

In addition to residence beds, the facility will also house visiting scholar and conference suites, several meeting rooms and a large multi-purpose room.

Ground breaks for Taylor Family Library

Workers officially began construction of the new Taylor Family Library (TFL) on February 14. By the end of June the pilings will be complete, with further construction continuing throughout the summer. The functional programming for the facility is complete; and interior design planning is now underway.

In addition to being the new home of the University of Calgary Library, the new facility is designed to become a centre for teaching, learning and research. It encompasses six storeys, with two extended floors containing an expanded Learning Commons and The Nickle Arts Museum. The new centre is designed to support students, and will include services such as student advising and assistance for students with disabilities.”

EEEL design focuses on flexibility

A schematic design of the new Energy. Environment. Experiential Learning (EEEL) building is almost complete. Preliminary concepts give the building four floors with 33 biology, chemistry, geoscience and engineering labs, a 200-seat theatre, classrooms for 20 to 120 students, small and large breakout rooms, and social spaces. The building is structured for future flexibility to allow transformation of most spaces into laboratories and to promote mixing to encourage multidisciplinary learning.

The project will be constructed south of 32nd Ave., near the Earth Sciences building. The new facility will house elements of the Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy and the School of Policy Studies, and will support experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Construction is scheduled to begin late 2008.

New wellness centre doubles capacity

Students at the University of Calgary now have quicker access to health care and a wider range of services to choose from.

Through a partnership between the university and the Students’ Union, the new SU Wellness Centre will open its doors in fall 2008. With funding from a $700,000 donation from the Students’ Union and a match from the university, the project will provide a unique combination of services integrating the existing University Health Services, Counselling Centre and the Chaplain’s Centre, and the addition of dental services.

The capacity for health services will double with the addition of 1,500 square feet of space, the equivalent of two more full-time general practitioners, four more exam rooms, and increased massage and chiropractic service and capacity.