TORONTO, May 15, 2002 -- York University’s new "green" Computer Science Building (CSB) has won a Governor General’s Medal in Architecture, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and the Canada Council for the Arts announced today.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, will present the medal to Architects Alliance/Busby + Associates and York University President Lorna Marsden, at a May 23 ceremony at Rideau Hall. The CSB is one of 12 buildings across Canada to be honoured by the Governor General this year for architectural excellence. The jury noted the project’s "environmental breakthroughs" and "incorporation of refreshing reprises of a number of modernist architectural motifs, while eschewing contemporary clichés."
The three-storey, 102,000-sq. ft. Computer Science Building at York heralds the university of the future, with state-of-the-art lecture theatres and research laboratories, and a level of energy efficiency that sets a new standard for green buildings designed for cold climate locations.
"The architects have achieved new heights in helping us to realize our goal of sustainability in new building construction," said Marsden. "This building is proof that it is economically feasible to integrate sustainable building practices with mainstream construction and design."
The CSB is not only environmentally friendly, with 50 per cent more energy efficiency than other university buildings, it is a friendly environment to work in, with lots of natural light and fresh air circulating through the building’s atria. Glass walls allow passersby to see into the building, and conversely, offer a clear view of activities outside. A planted garden on the roof provides extra insulation and stores rainwater for effective storm water management. The total effect is to create an environment conducive to learning that expresses the ideals of the institution.
The CSB and other winning entries can be viewed at the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Web site at www.raic.org/ggmedalsE.htm or www.raic.org/ggmedalsF.htm.
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For further information, please contact:
| Susan Bigelow | Iona Green |
| Media Relations | Media Relations |
| York University | RAIC |
| 416-736-2100, ext. 22091 | 613-230-2323, ext. 252 |
| sbigelow@yorku.ca | igreen@gosselin-rp.com |
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