Project Description - BVC has been operating for 41 years in helping students to advance their knowledge and skill sets that will allow them to re-enter the workforce with classroom based learning rather than through distance learning or other self based educational platforms. The downtown Calgary location is currently undergoing a large $100M,multi-year campus expansion and renovation project. When finished BVC College will have added more than 450,000 square feet, creating two buildings, one campus. This new facility will be LEED Silver certified when completed.

Phase I is in the final stages of construction. Phase II planning, programming and detailed design are underway with construction set to begin in summer of 2009 finishing in 2011.

Summary & Discourse on Design Approach: Phase 1 of the project had a restrictive budget and therefore successful compromises were determined during design. Multiple pre-tender packages were prepared for the Electrical Construction Manager to procure electrical equipment (i.e. emergency generator, power distribution, lighting, and fire alarm and security systems). The project has a Project Management Team and a Construction Manager in addition to major Sub-Trade Construction Managers. Continual feedback on system costs and delivery was required to help the Construction Managers control costs. Phase 2 of the project is in the Design Development stage.

Demonstrated Innovation and Creativity: Review of existing infrastructure was required in order to determine which electrical systems could remain and which required replacement. New infrastructure had to be designed for installation within the existing facility with minimal impact on the operation of the building. This required detailed knowledge of the existing building. BGME spent hours on site documenting the existing conditions. The new lighting chosen was a special low-profile recessed indirect fixture which allowed for high ceilings within the existing restrictive ceiling spaces.

A significant challenge for the Phase I portion of the project had to do with the space decanting and temporary classroom relocations. The construction noise was a huge issue due to the amount of concrete form work, structure upgrades, etc. Construction work scheduled had to be modified to suit College operations.

Phase II challenges include LEED daylighting and energy analysis due to the new building being built on the east end of the block with the existing Public Library located on the west half of the block.

Light Rail Transit (LRT)
Innovative lighting solutions for LRT roadway, parking, station and platform design and construction. Designs encompass security, way-finding, architectural appeal, efficiency, and reduced maintenance features.