York U. Keele Campus Grows in Leaps and ëBytes'
Construction to Begin on Green Computer Science Building with Acclaimed Design

TORONTO, April 28, 2000 -- York University's new computer science building -- based on an innovative green design -- will begin to take shape this Monday, May 1, at 2 p.m. with a sod-turning ceremony marking the beginning of the project.

York University President Dr. Lorna Marsden, Faculty of Pure & Applied Science Dean Robert Prince, along with representatives from Busby + Associates/Van Nostrand Di Castri Architects and Ellis-Don Construction Ltd. will turn the first sod on the project site which is located next to the Steacie Parking lot off Ottawa Road, south of the East Office Building.

The computer science building, expected to be completed by December 2001 at a cost of $17 million, was selected as one of three projects to represent Canada at the Green Building Challenge, an international conference to be held in Maastrict, Netherlands in October. The conference is a biannual event in which 16 nations from around the globe gather to discuss leading-edge, green-building design.

"We are anticipating that the computer science facility will be the most energy-efficient green building designed in a cold climate location in Canada to date," said architect Peter Busby whose firm was selected to lead the project because of its expertise in designing green buildings.

With three new state-of-the-art lecture theatres, plenty of class and research lab space, the three-story, 100,000 square foot building will expand science teaching facilities, particularly in computer science whose needs have doubled in the last 10 years.

The building will feature plenty of natural light and fresh air. The new facility will require up to two-thirds less energy for heating and cooling compared to other buildings. Radiant heat from the sun, the earth (from air ducts below the surface), people, computers and office equipment will help to provide warmth during winter months. Cool air from open windows, the earth, and sun shades will help to moderate hot summer temperatures. Careful attention will also be given to ensure sustainable building materials are used in the construction.

WHO:
York U. President Dr. Lorna Marsden and representatives from Busby + Associates/Van Nostrand Di Castri Architects, Pure & Applied Science Dean Robert Prince, representatives from Ellis-Don Construction Ltd.

WHAT:
Sod Turning Ceremony, York University Computer Science Building

WHEN:
Mon., May 1, 2000, 2 p.m.

WHERE:
Steacie Parking Lot, York University Keele Campus, 4700 Keele Street
(Reception to follow in the lobby of the Chemistry and Computer Science Building)

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For more information, please contact:

Mary Lynn Reimer
University Master Planner
York University
(416) 736-5798
reimer@fbo.yorku.ca

Ken Turriff
Media Relations Officer
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22086
kturriff@yorku.ca
YU/049/00