William Davis Computer Research Centre
University of Waterloo, ON
The William Davis Computer Research Centre commission was awarded through a nationally based architectural competition. It is a pioneering ‘green’ scientific research facility utilizing state-of-the-art plug in, plug out, plug in technology. Since its construction, the facility has proven its abilities to provide simple direct economical change, by the users, to maintain the facility’s value as it adjusts to new research demands. The William Davis Centre integrates high tech laboratories a 7000m² wired library, a 300-seat dining hall, a VIP centre for industry leaders and students, and two 250 seat lecture theatres with large multi-level administrative nodes connected by 3-storey glazed galleries where scientists meet, interact and exchange ideas.
The William Davis Centre links existing Engineering buildings to the Math and Computer Building, and the Chemistry Building, creates an important connectivity of related departments through streets and links that also act to create an interesting and usable campus texture of exterior space and quadrangles.
The building design integrates the structural, mechanical and electrical systems to facilitate plug in capabilities and act together to form an active mass thermal storage in the precast hollow core floor system used to distribute all air resulting in an energy saving. This facility demonstrates that high tech state-of-the-art design and energy conservation capabilities can be combined to achieve best value Operation and Maintenance costs saving the university 40% compared to other campus facilities.
Structure
High speed assemblage techniques. The structure is comprised of four types of plant-manufactured pieces that can be assembled with three cranes at the site in six weeks. Precast concrete acts as air ducts for the entire building, through active mass thermal storage. Each 1.2m wide hollow core slab has four continuous 22cm diameter holes as ducts to transport supply air to the user spaces, saving on the cost of duct work and of hung ceilings.
Skin
The interior finished melamine panel requires no maintenance. It may be pierced for electrical or mechanical purposes without affecting the vapour barrier.
Mechanical
The galleria streets not only permit day lighting, horizontal and vertical movement and people interaction, they generate strategies for heat stratification and thermal storage. Solar energy contribution.
Electrical
Plug in plug-out system for easy modifications to allow for economical change. All equipment, including light fixtures should be plugged rather than hard-wired to permit reorganization of the type or number of fixtures for flexibility.
Raceways are located above the corridor wall, allowing for easy access. Access flooring is provided in research areas where large amounts of wiring are necessary.
Glare reduction and evenness are far more important than light intensity. An indirect, diffused light source casts an even wash of light that is ideal for viewing computer screens.
Fitments
The fitments are kept simple – walls are demountable, furniture and cabinetry are purchased. This allows economic flexibility – plug in, plug out.
Key Information
Project Cost
$27.5M
Building Area
29,500m2
Awards
National Competition Winner, 1984
Manitoba Association of Architects Award of Excellence, 1988
Publications
“Architectural Record”, October 1989
“Architecture – Fundamental Issues”, 1990
“Canadian Architect”, October 1988
“The Globe and Mail”, November 1988
“New Directions in Ontario Architecture”, 1992
“Images of Progress 1946-1996 Modern Architecture in the Waterloo Region”, 1996
William Davis Computer Research Centre
University of Waterloo, ON
The William Davis Computer Research Centre commission was awarded through a nationally based architectural competition. It is a pioneering ‘green’ scientific research facility utilizing state-of-the-art plug in, plug out, plug in technology. Since its construction, the facility has proven its abilities to provide simple direct economical change, by the users, to maintain the facility’s value as it adjusts to new research demands. The William Davis Centre integrates high tech laboratories a 7000m² wired library, a 300-seat dining hall, a VIP centre for industry leaders and students, and two 250 seat lecture theatres with large multi-level administrative nodes connected by 3-storey glazed galleries where scientists meet, interact and exchange ideas.
The William Davis Centre links existing Engineering buildings to the Math and Computer Building, and the Chemistry Building, creates an important connectivity of related departments through streets and links that also act to create an interesting and usable campus texture of exterior space and quadrangles.
The building design integrates the structural, mechanical and electrical systems to facilitate plug in capabilities and act together to form an active mass thermal storage in the precast hollow core floor system used to distribute all air resulting in an energy saving. This facility demonstrates that high tech state-of-the-art design and energy conservation capabilities can be combined to achieve best value Operation and Maintenance costs saving the university 40% compared to other campus facilities.
Structure
High speed assemblage techniques. The structure is comprised of four types of plant-manufactured pieces that can be assembled with three cranes at the site in six weeks. Precast concrete acts as air ducts for the entire building, through active mass thermal storage. Each 1.2m wide hollow core slab has four continuous 22cm diameter holes as ducts to transport supply air to the user spaces, saving on the cost of duct work and of hung ceilings.
Skin
The interior finished melamine panel requires no maintenance. It may be pierced for electrical or mechanical purposes without affecting the vapour barrier.
Mechanical
The galleria streets not only permit day lighting, horizontal and vertical movement and people interaction, they generate strategies for heat stratification and thermal storage. Solar energy contribution.
Electrical
Plug in plug-out system for easy modifications to allow for economical change. All equipment, including light fixtures should be plugged rather than hard-wired to permit reorganization of the type or number of fixtures for flexibility.
Raceways are located above the corridor wall, allowing for easy access. Access flooring is provided in research areas where large amounts of wiring are necessary.
Glare reduction and evenness are far more important than light intensity. An indirect, diffused light source casts an even wash of light that is ideal for viewing computer screens.
Fitments
The fitments are kept simple – walls are demountable, furniture and cabinetry are purchased. This allows economic flexibility – plug in, plug out.
Key Information
Project Cost
$27.5M
Building Area
29,500m2
Awards
National Competition Winner, 1984
Manitoba Association of Architects Award of Excellence, 1988
Publications
“Architectural Record”, October 1989
“Architecture – Fundamental Issues”, 1990
“Canadian Architect”, October 1988
“The Globe and Mail”, November 1988
“New Directions in Ontario Architecture”, 1992
“Images of Progress 1946-1996 Modern Architecture in the Waterloo Region”, 1996
