TIMELINE

The U of L officially opened this incredible facility on September 13, with a weekend worth of activities aimed at raising awareness for the building, further positioning the University as an innovator and leader, and making Lethbridge a destination to be recognized. Over 1200 people participated in the guided tours, over 500 people attended Jay Ingram’s Giant Walkthrough Brain Show, and Chem Guys show, over 380 people attended the Big Bang Gala, and more than 1100 people were served in the welcome back BBQ. Approximately, over 3000 people took a part in various elements of the grand opening activities. see more

In April 2019, Science Facilities staff kicked off the big move from the iconic University Hall to the Science Commons after months of intensive planning. The moving staff amazingly relocated over 350 people, 700 piece of equipment, and 50 years worth of scientific research. Many of the scientific equipment worth millions of dollars and had to be moved by specialized crews coming from different areas in Canada or the U.S.

On January 21st, 2019, Destination Project staff temporarily moved to the Science Commons as the first occupants of the facility. Destination Project’s staff alongside construction partners used the period between January – May 2019 to test all the different building systems (ventilation, heating, automatic blinds, etc) and to ensure effective performance before the permanent occupants move into the facility.

Science Commons was shortlisted for WAF . “This recognition is a testament to deep collaboration between the University of Lethbridge and our team,” says Kuwabara, Partner/Co-Project Director at KPMB. “The architecture builds on the past to shape the future: it is inspired by the deep geographical past of the majestic coulee landscape and Canada’s legacy of modernist architecture embodied in Arthur Erickson’s University Hall.”

The architectural renderings for the Science and Academic Building have been brought together with virtual reality (VR) technology to allow you to look through the building. Hallways, classrooms and lab spaces can now be seen in a fully immersive, life-size video tour. This technology will allow you to experience a walk through the entire building before construction is finished.

The architectural renderings for the Science and Academic Building have been brought together with virtual reality (VR) technology to allow you to look through the building. Hallways, classrooms and lab spaces can now be seen in a fully immersive, life-size video tour. This technology will allow you to experience a walk through the entire building before construction is finished.

On June 23, 2016 the University of Lethbridge community gathered with the larger southern Alberta community celebrating the beginning of the construction process of the new Science and Academic building as part of the destination project. “The positive economic and social impact of this infrastructure on the communities we serve cannot be overstated.” says  U of L president and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon

After reviewing the three proposed designs for the new science and academic building,  the University of Lethbridge chose a design option for the new Science and Academic Building. The Hub, a concept that creates a vibrant core in the heart of the building where paths between laboratory blocks and the general campus intersect, was recently approved by the U of L’s Board of Governors from three proposed massing options shared with the community earlier this fall.

The University of Lethbridge Board of Governors has chosen the firms Stantec Architecture and KPMB Architects, in joint venture, to lead the design process of the new science and academic building. In this agreement with the U of L, Stantec Architecture/KPMB Architects undertook a comprehensive consultation process with university and community stakeholders, as well as completed the design phase of the project.

The University of Lethbridge received the stamp of approval from the Government of Alberta of a $200-million investment in the project. The Destination Project includes the construction of new science facilities that will house a significant part of the science teaching and research activities on campus.