DRAFT CONCEPT DESIGN REPORT UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY ...

5.2 Academic Space Test /Fit – MLT (Tower)
General Approach:
The tower offers a column free space from the core to the
exterior wall which promotes spatial flexibility, at least from a
planning approach. The “post tensioned” concrete structural
system would be difficult to modify in a substantial way, so
effectively limits any major structural modifications to include
large teaching spaces.
The small floor plate of the tower does have a major advantage
for both administrative and academic uses and that is access to
natural light and extraordinary views, effectively creating and
maintaining a very effective connection with the rest of campus.
Smaller academic spaces would fit very nicely around the
exterior leaving the core, elevators, stairs, washrooms and
service rooms and corridor to the interior.
A major limiting factor on these floors related to assembly
occupancies would be occupancy load relative to washroom
requirements and the existing exiting capacities. It should be
noted that the schematic shown would exceeds these capacities.
Another major limiting factor on these floors is the limited space
available in the building core for supply and return air. Larger
occupancies such as classrooms would require mechanical air
systems that would exceed the existing shaft capacities.
Seminar/Active Learning Rooms
The dimension from the core to the exterior wall nicely
accommodates a 20-24 seat seminar room. These rooms could
be bookable 24/7 by students for collaborative group work. They
could be “technologically enhanced” with a wall mounted flat
panel monitor and collaborative software to promote small group
work.
Approximate size: 540 SF
30/40 Seat Classroom
The dimension from the core to the exterior accommodates
30/40 seat classrooms. Due to the column-free space these
classrooms and the seminar rooms can be sized and located in
many different combinations.
A 30/40 seat classroom in most instances is probably too small
for a technology enhanced collaborative learning space. This
classroom could be enhanced with more of the standard type of
technology, a ceiling mounted projector and audio/video capture
for distance learning, conferencing etc. This space can work well
within the limited floor to floor height.
Approximate size: 960 SF (for approx. 40 seats)
CONCEPT DESIGN REPORT
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
MacKimmie Tower and Block I Repurposing and Renewal
5. TEST / FIT STUDIES
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