University of Ottawa

Project: Vanier Hall Renovation and Tower Addition, Faculty of Social Sciences

Status of Project: Substantially completed

Project Description

This project involves construction of an 11,700 square metre building to house the Faculty of Social Sciences and renovations to Vanier Hall. The renovations and new facility provide 22,000 square metres of additional learning and research space. The new 15-storey building accommodates research in neuroscience and experimental psychology, economics, public policy and management. The facility features a number of new multimedia classrooms, student study space, a 225-seat classroom and a large multi-purpose hall. The environmentally innovative project has 80 percent of the building’s heat generated by centralized campus computers. It is designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.

Primary Areas of Benefit

1. Expands or enhances utility of research and development space: This project enhances collaboration between different teams of researchers by locating all 50 researchers and 150 post-doctoral students in one facility, resulting in improved research capabilities in neuroscience and experimental psychology, and social sciences.
2. Expands or enhances utility of training space: This project improves accessibility to post-secondary education by increasing opportunities for francophone students and First Nations students in the Faculty of Social Sciences. The new facility expands training in criminology, economics, international development and global studies, psychology, public and international affairs, social work, sociology and anthropology, women’s studies and political studies, including public administration.
3. Improves energy efficiency: The facility is designed to utilize the latest environmental materials, appliances and technologies in its construction to meet LEED Gold certification. The project is designed to conserve at least 50 percent less energy than similar commercial buildings. In addition, 80 percent of the building’s heat is provided by recycling heat generated by centralized campus computers to reduce energy consumption.

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