People/Earth-Friendly Design To Be Among Key Features Of York University's New Computer Science Building

TORONTO, November 20, 1998 -- A healthier, happier learning/work environment for students, faculty and staff, and a structure less taxing on the earth's resources will be among the key design elements of York University's new Computer Science building. An artist's conception of the new and innovative building, slated for opening fall 2001, will be unveiled at a reception Monday, Nov. 23, 1998. With three new state-of-the-art lecture theatres, plenty of class and research lab space, the project will expand science teaching facilities, particularly in computer science whose needs have doubled in the last 10 years. The building will be built on a vacant site adjacent to existing science facilities, which will also undergo significant modifications as part of the project at York University's Keele Campus.

"We have two core goals in mind in the new building's design," said University Master Planner Mary Lynn Reimer. "The first is to create a people-friendly learning and work space; the second is to minimize the impact the facility might have on the environment."

A people-friendly facility, said Reimer, means ensuring there is plenty of natural light and fresh air inside. There is growing research evidence to support the importance of natural light. For example, health complaints and absenteeism tend to increase in proportion to workstation distance from a window. Also important is control over one's work space which includes temperature and fresh air, she said.

The new facility also promises to be environmentally-friendly, requiring up to two-thirds less energy for heating and cooling, compared to other buildings, by using various strategies, said Reimer. 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 the building materials used in the construction -- for example, the use of sustainable materials.

York University retained the services of Van Nostrand Di Castri Architects with Busby + Associates from Vancouver for the project, following a selection process among some of Canada's leading architectural firms. Peter Busby's firm was selected to lead the project because of his expertise in designing "green" buildings, said Reimer.

Funded in part by the provincial government, the total cost is expected to be $23 million.

The unveiling and reception will take place Monday, Nov. 23, 1998, noon, Room 230, Chemistry and Computer Science Building, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto. York University President Dr. Lorna Marsden will speak at the event. Among the participants will be project architects and members of the project steering committee.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Ken Turriff
Media Relations Officer
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22086
email: kturriff@yorku.ca
YU/086/98

---

Fact Sheet for New Building

Approximately 100,000 gross sq.ft. On 3-4 levels of which 51,000 sq.ft will be assignable space allocated as follows:

70% - teaching, research and support facilities

20% - one large and two mid-size lecture theatres

10% - Information Technology research and development

ARCHITECTS

Busby + Associates/Van Nostrand Di Castri Architects.

Support Consultants:
Berkebile Nelson Immenschuh McDowell - Environmental
Yolles Partnership Inc. - Structural
Keen Engineering Co. Ltd. - Mechanical
Carinci Burt Rogers Engineering Inc. - Electrical

PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE

Peter Struk, Asst. Vice President, Facilities and Business Operations (Chair)
Kieron Brunelle, Director, Facilities Planning
Tahir Mohammed, Director, Facilities Development
Brock Fenton, Associate Vice-President (Research and Facilities)
Peter Victor, Dean, Faculty of Environmental Studies
Robert Prince, Dean, Pure and Applied Science

USER COMMITTEE

Robert Prince, Dean, Pure and Applied Science (Chair)
Kieron Brunelle, Director, Facilities Planning
Barry Loughton, Chair, Biology
Sue Salusbury, Associate Registrar
Michael Jenkin, Chair, Computer Science