Science Research and Innovation Facility, University of Windsor

The University of Windsor developed a new science research and innovation facility at its Ontario campus in Canada. Image courtesy of University of Windsor.

The topping off ceremony was held in November 2017. Image courtesy of University of Windsor.

The new facility will carry out research in the areas of medical physics, transitional health and advanced materials.Image courtesy of University of Windsor.

In December 2018, the University of Windsor officially opened a new science research and innovation facility (SRIF) at its campus in Ontario, Canada.

Located near Essex Hall and the Jackman Dramatic Art Centre, the new facility is used to carry out research on various areas, including cancer and nanomaterials.

The university has invested $30.3m in the development of the research facility. The project was announced in January 2017 and work commenced in February of the same year. The topping off ceremony was held in November 2017 and construction was completed in April 2018.

The SRIF is designed to support Ontario’s economy by creating new jobs and fostering innovation.

Design details of the new science research and innovation facility

The SRIF is a three-storey building with a built up area of 46,000ft². It features classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and teaching labs, as well as wet and dry lab spaces.

The facility’s design is based on an open-lab concept. The workspaces are made of glass to allow for the entry of natural light.

The entrance of the facility includes an atrium with a lounge interconnecting all three floors. The interior space is designed to create a collaborative environment for university staff and students.

Incorporating energy efficient features, the facility is built according to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for environmental sustainability.

Financing

The project has received $14.95m in funding from the Government of Canada through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund.

The Provincial Government of Ontario has provided $2.56m towards construction, while the University of Windsor contributed $12.8m.

Research activities at SRIF

The first floor is dedicated to medical physics, including imaging and diagnostic technologies. It houses laboratories for X-ray diffraction, microscopy and instrumentation.

Previously located in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) facility has been moved to the first floor, while research on transitional health is being carried out on the second floor, which is designed to support advancement of cancer research.

The third floor houses the advanced materials research lab, which carries out research on nanomaterials and biometrics.

Contractors involved

Amico Design Build was contracted to build the new facility, while Colliers Project Leaders provided project management services.

Marketing commentary on University of Windsor

Established in 1857, the University of Windsor has 15,000 students studying a variety of undergraduate and graduate programmes in the fields of law, business, engineering, education, nursing, human kinetics and social work.

The university unveiled Phase I of its downtown campus in September 2015. Phase II is also completed with an aim to increase the university’s offerings.