Earth Sciences/Wallace Laboratory, University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
The Earth Sciences building is an 8000m² geological sciences teaching and research facility. It has received international acclaim for excellence in leadership as a state-of-the-art teaching laboratory.
The building accommodates a wide variety of laboratories for teaching including a microscope lab, geochemistry, and X-ray laboratory. The specialized research labs include: analytical wet chemistry, micro-probe and directed micro beams, micro-imaging, and mass spectrometer.
Non-laboratory functions include: a 2 storey administrative component, staff offices, conference rooms, classrooms and two 140 seat tiered lecture theatres with audio-visual support systems. Linking all of the above functions is a 3 storey glazed galleria street which is used as a gathering space and interaction areas for staff and students alike. Located in and off the galleria street are a variety of formal and informal meeting / gathering places.
The galleria street is connected to the campus’ linkage system that connects over 30 separate buildings. The highly technical laboratories have demonstrated the ability to be economically modified to meet each new research demand without disrupting the ongoing work in the labs or adjacent labs. Plug in, plug out, plug in – economic change that conserves energy while maintaining or even improving the facilities’ original state-of-the-art abilities, as it defeats obsolescence through its ability to change economically.
Structure
Building is set upon piles. Precast concrete columns extend three and four stories high with precast concrete beams spanning between supported by column haunches. Beams are spanned by 12″ hollow core concrete planks that are cantilevered into the central atrium corridor on one side., creating the upper level walkways.
Skin
Steel stud, control grid, aluminum corrugated panels, curtain wall.
Mechanical
4-pipe heat pump system. Air distribution ductwork is run within the cores of the hollow planks.
Electrical
Corridor walls are capped by metal, compartmented raceways carrying power and communication cables to laboratories, offices and classrooms. Power is accessible from both sides, and modifications made from the corridor so laboratories and classes are not disturbed.
Fitments
All partitions are melamine panel covered steel studs that extend upto the underside of the hollow core planks for security reasons. Suspended ceilings for sound attenuation exist in only 15% of the facility. Mechanical and Electrical systems are purposefully left exposed as part of the architectural expression.
Key Information
Completed
1986
Project Cost
$10.5M
(Tender $1.5M under budget, basement added to supplement accommodation).
Building Area
8000 m²/86,115 ft ²
Awards
MAA Award of Excellence – 1988
Publications
Canadian Architect – Sept. 1995
Architecture – Fundamental Issues – 1990
The Globe and Mail – April 9, 1988
Architecture – Sept. 1987
Architectural Record – May 1987
Earth Sciences/Wallace Laboratory, University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
The Earth Sciences building is an 8000m² geological sciences teaching and research facility. It has received international acclaim for excellence in leadership as a state-of-the-art teaching laboratory.
The building accommodates a wide variety of laboratories for teaching including a microscope lab, geochemistry, and X-ray laboratory. The specialized research labs include: analytical wet chemistry, micro-probe and directed micro beams, micro-imaging, and mass spectrometer.
Non-laboratory functions include: a 2 storey administrative component, staff offices, conference rooms, classrooms and two 140 seat tiered lecture theatres with audio-visual support systems. Linking all of the above functions is a 3 storey glazed galleria street which is used as a gathering space and interaction areas for staff and students alike. Located in and off the galleria street are a variety of formal and informal meeting / gathering places.
The galleria street is connected to the campus’ linkage system that connects over 30 separate buildings. The highly technical laboratories have demonstrated the ability to be economically modified to meet each new research demand without disrupting the ongoing work in the labs or adjacent labs. Plug in, plug out, plug in – economic change that conserves energy while maintaining or even improving the facilities’ original state-of-the-art abilities, as it defeats obsolescence through its ability to change economically.
Structure
Building is set upon piles. Precast concrete columns extend three and four stories high with precast concrete beams spanning between supported by column haunches. Beams are spanned by 12″ hollow core concrete planks that are cantilevered into the central atrium corridor on one side., creating the upper level walkways.
Skin
Steel stud, control grid, aluminum corrugated panels, curtain wall.
Mechanical
4-pipe heat pump system. Air distribution ductwork is run within the cores of the hollow planks.
Electrical
Corridor walls are capped by metal, compartmented raceways carrying power and communication cables to laboratories, offices and classrooms. Power is accessible from both sides, and modifications made from the corridor so laboratories and classes are not disturbed.
Fitments
All partitions are melamine panel covered steel studs that extend upto the underside of the hollow core planks for security reasons. Suspended ceilings for sound attenuation exist in only 15% of the facility. Mechanical and Electrical systems are purposefully left exposed as part of the architectural expression.
Key Information
Completed
1986
Project Cost
$10.5M
(Tender $1.5M under budget, basement added to supplement accommodation).
Building Area
8000 m²/86,115 ft ²
Awards
MAA Award of Excellence – 1988
Publications
Canadian Architect – Sept. 1995
Architecture – Fundamental Issues – 1990
The Globe and Mail – April 9, 1988
Architecture – Sept. 1987
Architectural Record – May 1987
