Royal Roads University holds open house to showcase plans for two new buildings
Royal Roads University will host an open house Wednesday, March 18 to showcase plans for the development of two new buildings – the Learning and Innovation Centre and the Robert Bateman Centre at Royal Roads University.
The Learning and Innovation Centre will be the first building constructed on campus since RRU’s transition from a military college to a public university.
“It will be the first building specifically designed to support our unique integrated, interactive learning model,” said RRU president Dr. Allan Cahoon. “It will also provide urgently needed space to support our ongoing growth in enrolment.”
The Robert Bateman Centre will become the centerpiece of the university’s initiative to transform the university into a living, learning laboratory for sustainability.
“We’re looking forward to sharing our vision of campus development with the community at the open house,” said Cahoon. “As well as showcasing these state-of-the-art facilities, we want to demonstrate how the planned development respects the distinctive natural and historic aspects of our campus.”
Members of the public will have the opportunity to see a display of beautifully rendered drawings and talk to architects and senior university staff about the projects. These experts will be available to discuss the integrated design process used throughout each phase of the project and answer questions about the leading edge sustainability principles and practices that are incorporated from the university’s new sustainability plan.
The Learning and Innovation Centre will be the new gateway to the campus with features that echo key attributes of Hatley Castle and the Grant building such as central towers, concrete-faced masonry and punched windows. The interior will provide space for classrooms, breakout rooms, and other support services. The new, state-of-the-art building will meet a minimum gold standard in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Site preparations for phase one of the Learning and Innovation Centre are now underway and construction will begin this spring. Re-routing and improvements to University Drive to accommodate the new building will begin soon.
The Robert Bateman Centre will house originals, prints and archival material donated by world-renowned wildlife artist and environmentalist Robert Bateman and his wife Birgit Freybe Bateman. It will be a place of learning where educators, guest lecturers and artists, including Bateman, will offer programs that feature hands-on lessons about the environment. The centre will showcase the latest in green building technology, target zero greenhouse gas emissions and have a positive impact on the environment.
The open house will take place Wednesday, March 18th from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Quarterdeck of the Grant Building. Parking is free that evening. The first 100 visitors will receive a complimentary packet of Hatley Park Wild Rose (rosa nutkana) seeds.
Information about RRU’s academic and continuing studies programs will also be available at the event.
For more information about plans for the Royal Roads University campus see www.royalroads.ca/campusprogress
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For media queries, contact:
Communications Officer, Lynda Chambers
Communications Officer, Phil Saunders
phil.saunders@royalroads.ca
250-391-2526, cel 250-812-5065 or,
Community Relations Director, Stephanie Slater
stephanie.slater@royalroads.ca
250-391-2712, cel 250-361-5020
