Laboratories Canada has selected a joint venture team, known as Canada FIRST, to scientific infrastructure as part of the Ontario Regional Projects bundle.
Canada FIRST, comprised of Architecture49, HOK, and WSP, is supporting Laboratories Canada in its mandate to modernize existing and build new laboratory facilities with the target of establishing a world-class national network of modern and multipurpose federal science and technology laboratories that support collaboration, multidisciplinary research, and innovation.
The joint venture team brings together globally recognized architecture and engineering firms with significant experience in delivering design for major science facility modernization projects. Its members have worked extensively together on both science mandates and large-scale program execution around the world.
As one of the world’s leading professional services firms, WSP provides engineering and design services to clients in the transportation and infrastructure, property and buildings, environment, power and energy, resources and industry sectors, as well as offering strategic advisory services.
“We have felt honoured to work alongside Laboratories Canada as they apply the new rigorous federal Greening Government standards to this first wave of laboratory projects,” said Antoni Paleshi, project director, Sustainability for WSP in Canada. “In many ways, we feel like a team of scientists – exploring and experimenting to find the unique pathway to zero carbon, resilience and broad sustainability best suited to each facility. It’s inspiring to see the needed commitment and leadership across the team, but especially from the LabsCanada Office themselves.”
HOK designs diverse buildings and spaces that respond to the needs of people and the environment, with the goal of delivering solutions that inspire clients and communities.
“As this last year has made even more clear, the future health and well-being of our society is intimately linked to scientific research,” said Randy Kray, HOK Director of Science + Technology. “We are excited and proud to work with Laboratories Canada to help create a national infrastructure of the highest order that aspires to put Canada on the international research map and improve the lives of all Canadians.”
Architecture49 (A49) is a Canadian leader in the integrated design and delivery of some of Canada’s most important buildings and environments. Its science and technology practice has developed expertise in specialized and unique facilities governed by the most stringent requirements for research, testing, and evaluation.
“Laboratory buildings are designed with sophisticated infrastructure that help drive scientific achievement. We are fueled by resolving the complex interplay of building components and space to support the advancement of our Canadian scientists,” said Kevin Humeniuk, national director of science and technology for A49. “Working alongside HOK and WSP, we are committed to the design and delivery of world class laboratories for Canada.”
Laboratories Canada is a 25-year strategy with a vision to strengthen federal science in Canada. Budget 2018 launched the first phase of this strategy with an investment of $2.8 billion to support federal scientists and their important work.
The strategy signals a forward-looking approach to science planning by fostering innovation and collaboration in world-class facilities. The renewed facilities will house modern laboratories and collaborative spaces enabled with information technology tailored to meet the needs of federal scientists, as well as being environmentally sustainable and accessible.
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Featured image from HOK: AstraZeneca laboratory building design.
