ACADEMIC HEALTH SCIENCES BUILDING

Description:

The Academic Health Sciences complex is the largest capital building project in the history of the University of Saskatchewan. The project is organized around an integrated educational and research model where the colleges and schools work together collaboratively, sharing training, academic, educational and dry-lab space. The effective movement of people and provision of support services is addressed by means of an impressive naturally lit public atrium, the central focus for which all other collaborative and shared facilities are organized. [1]

The E-Wing project is organized as an integrated educational and research model where the colleges and schools work together collaboratively. The design précis for E-Wing was to be a model of sustainability that represents the Health Sciences and University as a whole with its prominent academic gateway location. 

Central to the design is a large public atrium that facilitates deep daylight penetration in to interior spaces, and functions as a principal circulation spine thar provides for effective movement of students, faculty and visitors. Key collision points foster interdisciplinary collaboration and interaction both horizontally and within a floor plate and vertically between floors by means of interconnection and conveniently located naturally-lit stairwells. [2]

The design for this facility had many coordination requirements due to its location. The space around the University of Saskatchewan is very limited so locating a building of this size around the existing buildings was a challenge. In addition, the building attaches to the existing Health Sciences building, the dental building, and the Royal University Hospital, so many user groups were involved with the location and connection of the building. Furthermore, the new E Wing had to be fully integrated with existing buildings. Systems such as fire alarm and communication had to be unified across buildings. 

The building was designed with the intentions of meeting LEED® Gold; as such many electrical control options were incorporated to limit the energy requirements of the building.  Energy savings options included the use of T5 light fixtures, daylight sensors, and occupancy sensor control. The occupancy sensors also connected to the mechanical system to reduce power consumptions to unoccupied areas. [3]

Key Performance Indicators include 87% of construction waste diverted from landfill, 52% irrigation water reduction, 43% energy use reduction and 41% indoor use water reduction. [1]

On March 15 and 16, 2018, the University of Saskatchewan’s health science colleges and schools invited health professionals, Indigenous health service organizations, students, community partners and key Indigenous stakeholders to a two-day Gathering in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. To set the foundation for the event, the planning committee engaged Indigenous community members and invited them to identify health priorities. Identified priorities include mental well-being, access to services, chronic diseases and promising approaches to wellness. 

The Gathering also showcased approaches to developing reciprocal, respectful partnerships between communities and researchers. Four internationally recognized Indigenous health researchers were invited to speak and guide sessions organized around the health priorities. Concurrent sessions featured a mix of panels and nationally-recognized local speakers to explore these topics in more detail. Part of the gathering also included a networking and youth engagement event in partnership with the Indigenous Mentorship Network. [4]

References:

[1]      “Academic Health Sciences E-Wing.” Kane Consulting. Accessed June 23, 2021. http://kane-consulting.ca/projects/academic-health-sciences-e-wing/.

[2]      “Kindrachuk Agrey Architecture.” Kindrachuk Agrey Architecture and Interior Design Saskatoon. Accessed June 23, 2021. http://www.kindrachuk-agrey.ca/#!/projects/academic-health-sciences.

[3]       “Our Projects.” Ritenburg & Associates. Accessed June 23, 2021. http://ritenburg.com/our-projects.

[4]       “Gathering for Miyomahcihowin.” 2018 Gathering for miyomahcihowin – USask Health Sciences – University of Saskatchewan. Accessed June 23, 2021. https://healthsciences.usask.ca/miyomahcihowin/2018-gathering-for-miyomahcihowin.php#Aboutmiyomahcihowin.

Additional information:

“(LEED) DAYLIGHTING POLICY AND PROCEDURE.” University of Saskatchewan Health Sciences. USask, n.d. https://healthsciences.usask.ca/documents/policies-and-maps/2020-05-28-hsc-leed-daylighting-policy–procedures.pdf.

“HEALTH SCIENCE BUILDING – E-WING.” University of Saskatchewan Health Sciences. USask, n.d. https://healthsciences.usask.ca/documents/policies-and-maps/06-02-2021-e-wing-health-sciences-building-maps.pdf.

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