Renovations & Renewals

MacKimmie Library Tower/Block Repurpose

A concept design report for the repurposing of MLT/MLB was created in September 2009 to provide condition evaluation, programming and overall project vision which forms the long term strategy for the repurposing the MacKimmie buildings (MLT / MLB) and establish the basis of the fund development required to support the project.

The MacKimmie Tower, Block and Link structures will become available for re-use as a result of the relocation of the majority of the main campus library functions to the new Taylor Family Digital Library (TFDL) in the fall of 2011. The MLB / MLT buildings are located in the heart of the main campus and combined total some 20,000 gross square meters of available space. They are joined by the Link, a key circulation component between MLB, MTL and the TFDL.

It is anticipated that renovation and repurposing of MLT and MLB will form the key element of the University's master plan to improve space allocation and utilization across campus. The initial planning phase determined the most appropriate utilization of the repurposed buildings and established the costs to complete a major refurbishment.

Key elements include:

alignment and intensification of University of Calgary Campus Master Plan principles
code improvements
mechanical/electrical system replacement
provision for flexibility & adaptability
consideration of function vs. hierarchy
emphasis on the relationship between team vs individual space
increased mobility of space & people
inclusion of collaborative tools & use of technology
high level of transparency, ex: "Right to Light"
cost effective operations
provision of end user control
high level of consideration towards sustainability, health & safety

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Science A Redevelopment

Science A is the second building constructed on the University of Calgary Campus. The building was completed in1960 and is a twin to the slightly younger Administration Building. The greenhouses were added in stages, one in 1965 and the other in 1967 and 1970. The open courtyard was filled in1969 to create additional floor area.

The composition of Science A is primarily of laboratories, lecture rooms, classrooms, some faculty offices, and workshop. The greenhouse area and heat house on the roof level is used primarily for biology research.

Science A is one of the key catalytic projects identified by the University of Calgary Campus Master Plan to transform the campus and realizing sustainable goals. The concept design focuses on academic and research needs, enhances innovation and higher education, improves safety, security, and quality of campus life.

The overall project will provide approximately 8,900 building gross square metres of additional space and renovations to the approximately 12,500 square metres of existing space.

Key components developed through concept design:

A 2-storey addition to the west shall house the two 120-seat lecture halls and computer labs.
An addition on the north accommodates two 250-seat lecture halls and additional space to the science workshop.
A 1-storey vertical addition to accommodate consolidated research laboratories plus reclamation of new greenhouses above this addition.
Reclaimed 3-storey high atrium provides natural light to the centre of the building.
Renovated second floor to accommodate state-of-the-art undergraduate instructional laboratories in standard, flexible configurations.
The renovated main floor accommodates student lounge/study space, provision for a future café, opportunity for merging of the academic disciplines, encouraging collaboration and interdisciplinary interaction.
Workshops and supports occupy the renovated basement areas of Science A.
Code and life-safety upgrades.
Envelope rehabilitation and energy and sustainability initiative.
New ramp to Science Theatre and new ramp and stair to Science B provide barrier-free internal circulation route for the northwest quadrant of campus, linking the Science Complex, the university LRT station and MacEwan Hall.

Initial phase of construction

The first phase of construction will commence in the Fall of 2011 and is comprised of selected foundation, stair, code, and interior upgrades as follows:

Construction of two new exit stairwells in the northeast and southeast areas of the floor plate. The structural design of these new stairs shall accommodate the proposed long-term vertical expansion of Science A.
Upgrades to existing east stairs and enhance exiting from existing roof-top greenhouse.
Creation of new elevator, mechanical shafts and telecom rooms on the east side of the floor plate.
Replacement of existing freight elevator
Improve fire safety between Science Theatres to Science A with proper firewall assembly.
Improve circulation between Science Theatres and Science A.
Develop new washrooms at east end of floor on main floor.
Additional classroom space created through renovations to selected areas.
Provision for Department of Chemistry space on level 2 at east end of floor plate.

Generally, main mechanical and electrical systems will remain with local modifications to existing systems to support the proposed renovations. The systems, including major distribution and head-end equipment, will be upgraded at subsequent larger phases of renovations.

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