Restructuring of the Urban Form - Eco Buildings

• Introduction

• Green Building Features

• Awards and Recognition

• References

Prepared by D. van Vliet 2002, updated by Brett Shenbach (April 2006)

Introduction:

When a building is to be constructed on a previously developed site, the materials of the existing structures are usually disposed of as waste, and new materials are brought in for the new construction. This contributes to the throughput and waste of materials needed in the development of a city. Many argue a better strategy should be implemented.

Spirn for example, long ago advised that "Every new building and park should be designed to require the minimum input of energy and materials, to generate minimal waste, and, whenever possible, to serve more than one purpose." (Spirn, 1984, pg.261)

It has also been recommended that every new development project should address the place of the site within the urban ecosystem as a whole, including its relationship to the city’s critical problems. A new development should respond to the problems and the opportunities posed by the site and its immediate neighbourhood. The development and design of new buildings and the landscape should conserve energy and reduce waste. Also, a new development should exploit the sites distinctive microclimatic, geological, hydrologic, and biological character.

Red River College

Offering more than 110 diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs, and training more than 32,000 full and part-time individuals each year, Red River College is one of Manitoba ’s largest and most comprehensive institutes of applied learning.  In 2002 the $35-million Red River College Princess Street Campus opened up its doors, complementing the Colleges Notre Dame facility.

The new Red River College Princess Street campus located in Winnipeg ’s Historic Exchange District is approximately 225,000 square feet in size and home to more than 2000 students and 200 staff.  The campus embraces a number of concepts and ideas associated with Eco or green buildings and for this has recieved world-wide recognition and won a number of prestigious awards.