[Halifax] The Atrium | ? m | 3 fl | Completed

Dartman · #1 Posted: **Jul 20, 2008, 2:25 PM**

I know this is not as big a project as others that are going on in Halifax, but this building is going to be a great addition to the Saint Mary's campus.

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In keeping with the University's strategic direction for development and renewal, the construction of the new $17.5 million Atrium complex will provide greatly needed teaching, research and community space that will elevate the student experience.

The new 43,000 sq. ft., 3-storey Atrium will be constructed to LEED certification standards and be located in the northwest corner of the campus on Inglis Street and attached to the Science, Patrick Power Library and Burke Buildings.

Unique features include:

The Global Learning Commons – a wireless, student-centred, barrier-free communal learning space that encourages interaction between faculty, students and staff, and will provide more opportunity for community engagement.
An Interior Biowall – a "living wall" that cleanses the air and provides an ecological approach to maintaining the indoor environment.
Additional research labs, office space and stateof-the-art classrooms with equipment and layouts that optimize effective and enjoyable instruction.
An Information Technology Centre – to complement the existing wireless campus.
The Atrium building project is the result of the commitment and support from alumni and friends who believe in Saint Mary's mission of academic and research excellence, fiscal responsibility, accessibility and outreach to local and international communities.

smu.ca

Dmajackson · #2 Posted: **Jul 21, 2008, 3:33 AM**

This is part of the "Campus Master Plan" SMU is undertaking to make the campus more attractive and useful.

Here's a link to the whole project: Campus Master Plan

The "Atrium" is building C-1 in the "core" section.

This will be a nice addition to SMU.

Keith P. · #3 Posted: **Jul 21, 2008, 12:00 PM**

They are really looking to jam a lot of buildings into that small space.

Dmajackson · #4 Posted: **Aug 13, 2008, 6:33 AM**

This project is underway. They were digging up the ground the last time i went by.

Dmajackson · #5 Posted: **Aug 18, 2008, 3:45 AM**

This isn't the same project but the house in front of this spot is being expanded.

Dmajackson · #6 Posted: **Sep 19, 2008, 1:28 AM**

If anybody actally interested in this all they've poured the foundation. I won't be around this area for awhile...

Dmajackson · #7 Posted: **Jan 4, 2009, 3:27 AM**

They are working on the frame for the third floor right now.

Dmajackson · #8 Posted: **Mar 19, 2009, 10:31 PM**

Picture time.

All photos taken by me today;

DigitalNinja · #9 Posted: **Mar 30, 2009, 10:14 PM**

They've got the majority of the facade up now are are working on the inside. Should look great when it's finished, I hope they start on the next building right after this one.

Dmajackson · #10 Posted: **Mar 30, 2009, 10:25 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DigitalNinja

They've got the majority of the facade up now are are working on the inside. Should look great when it's finished, I hope they start on the next building right after this one.

Welcome DigitalNinja. Looking forward to your input.

And thanks for the update. I was starting to think I was the only one paying attention to this building.

Jonovision · #11 Posted: **Mar 30, 2009, 11:00 PM**

What building comes after this one?

Dmajackson · #12 Posted: **Mar 30, 2009, 11:07 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonovision

What building comes after this one?

The campus plan doesn't say esactly but these are the short-term projects according to their website;

Short-term Initiatives (0-10 years)
Projects in this category are already being considered by the University and in preliminary planning stages, address community concerns or create a symbolic image for the campus.

Open Space Network - The University can begin to implement many aspects of the Open Space vision even before adjacent and surrounding buildings are
developed.
Buildings:
New Arena (NE-4) to replace the existing, deteriorating Alumni Arena;
An Atrium (C-1) and Global Commons to provide missing or inadequate facilities;
McNally Arrival Courtyards: to reduce the visual impact of parking and access routes;
Study Pavilion (C-5) and improvements to the rear of McNally: to address aesthetic issues with this area of the Campus and quickly add common space;
Gateway Building (NW-1): to provide parking and enhance the Northwest corner of the campus; and
The Library – improvements should be considered at the same time as the construction of the Atrium.
Smaller, “pocket” parking lots throughout the campus to replace lost parking.

DigitalNinja · #13 Posted: **Mar 31, 2009, 2:17 AM**

I was hoping it would be the replacement of the Burke building. That building is absolutely horrible to study in. And ugly as well. It would have been smart to build both the Atrium and the new Burke building at the same time as they are connected.

Dmajackson · #14 Posted: **Jun 19, 2009, 9:46 PM**

As always photos by me today;

Barrington south · #15 Posted: **Jul 8, 2009, 8:34 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DigitalNinja

I was hoping it would be the replacement of the Burke building. That building is absolutely horrible to study in. And ugly as well. It would have been smart to build both the Atrium and the new Burke building at the same time as they are connected.

if Smu tore down The Burke before the Atrium was complete wouldn't that mean there would be even less study space to work in?
and I was under the impassion that Smu was desperately short of study space. This way once the atrium is built, the students will have that shiny new study space, and then the focus can shift to that eyesore ....
the Burke building....
also....
prez Dodds has financial limitations....one thing at once....unless he seriously ups his head hunting missions to china!!!

DigitalNinja · #16 Posted: **Jul 8, 2009, 8:37 PM**

Lol true that.

And yeah there is a low amount of study space, but the arena is next on the list, they have a sign up now saying that it's going to be built.

Barrington south · #17 Posted: **Jul 8, 2009, 10:39 PM**

ohhh so finish the atrium,
then the arena....
and maybe the burke then?..I should call collin and ask him...
havn't spoke to him in a little while now..

Hey Dig when did you go to SMU?..

.I also noticed a sigh up from the future wellness center.Iis that part of the arena?....
that will be a major asset

ohhh I just checked the SMU master plan....the Burke will not be touched untill 2017....at the very eairliest....there will be a new study pavillion before that though

DigitalNinja · #18 Posted: **Jul 9, 2009, 1:15 AM**

I go right now, and that sign was the one I was referring to. I think it's for the arena though... Cause they have the tower for the gym.

Barrington south · #19 Posted: **Jul 9, 2009, 1:56 AM**

I'll check it out tomorow....
I pretty sure it mentioned some sort of new wellness center along with the arena
Tomorow I will write down everything on the sign on my daily walk and then post it....what are the conditons of the current arena inside Dig....
is it run down?...is there very much seating?

DigitalNinja · #20 Posted: **Jul 9, 2009, 2:29 AM**

It's gross from the outside, never been in haha.