VICTORIA, B.C. – The University of Victoria (UVic) is expanding its Engineering and Computer Science Building with a six-storey addition for new laboratory and teaching space supporting 500 additional seats.
A new High Bay Research and Structures Lab adjacent to the building will include a 12-metre-high area for structural testing and large-scale experiments related to geotechnical and materials and building-science research.
“This new space will accelerate UVic’s research discoveries and attract top-tier international scholars and researchers. These landmark buildings will provide a dynamic environment for the training of future engineers and computer scientists. We plan to strengthen Victoria as a technology hub by attracting more top talent to UVic and helping position this region as a global centre of excellence,” said UVic faculty of engineering and computing science dean Mina Hoorfar in a statement.
The project will cost $89.6 million in total with $64.8 million of funding from the Province of British Columbia and $24.8 million through the university and a fundraising campaign.
“Our government and UVic are responding to a clear demand for engineering and computer science programs, allowing people to learn where they live, while also welcoming new people to our community by providing increased capacity in these programs,” said Murray Rankin, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head.
Both structures are designed to achieve a net-zero carbon target and will combine Passive House design features and a mass timber structure along with heat pumps and green and solar roofs.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2022 with building occupancy set for 2024.
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