Brandon University John R. Brodie Science Centre Redevelopment

sustainability
Targeting Labs2Zero
Zero Carbon Building

location 
Louise Avenue & 18th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada  

client 
Brandon University 

consultants
CM/ Bockstael Construction
S/ Wolfrom Eng. Ltd
M+E/ SMS Eng. Ltd

area 
135,000 sf 

cost
$67 Million

status 
In Design

references
Dr. Chritophe LeMoine
Professor and Dean of Science
Brandon University
lemoinec@brandonu.ca
 

In June of 2018, Brandon University (BU) commissioned Prairie Architects Inc. to undertake a preliminary assessment of the John R. Brodie Science Centre and make conceptual design recommendations related to the current and future teaching and research space needs of the Faculty of Science and broader BU community.The process began with Existing Building Condition Assessment and significant stakeholder consultation.

In 2023, project development commenced. In an effort to maximize and make the most efficient use of the existing building, a 64,025sf addition was designed to house many of the Faculty’s specialized laboratory and research spaces. The addition includes an atrium that extends from the fifth floor all the way down to the basement level and brings daylight deep into the core of the building. New lecture theatres and expanded classrooms that can accomodate up to a total of 640 students are designed in the lower level, with an increased number of new washrooms in the renovated existing building.

The project is intended to be phased, with the addition and selective renovations in the existing building, including code and life safety upgrades, commencing first. Following the initial phase, the remainder of the existing building scope is intended to be executed, which includes, including abatement, building envelope work, mechanical and electrical upgrades, new furniture, fixtures and equipment and cosmetic upgrades. When fully completed, the project will transform the Faculty of Science with an increased number of meeting, classroom and laboratory spaces and bring vast improvements in wayfinding, access to daylight and views, safety and interdepartmental connection through physical and visual connections.

The project will meet the Province of Manitoba’s Green Building Policy and is exploring multiple avenues for sustainable certification targets, including Labs2Zero through the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories and Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) Certification through the CaGBC.