Mr. Jess Nieukerk reports

STANTEC SELECTED TO DESIGN NEW STEM BUILDING FOR UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS AT DALLAS

Stantec Inc. has been selected to provide integrated design services for the new 122,000-square-foot science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) building at the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNTD). The latest addition to the Dallas campus will reflect the logic, rigour, efficiency and optimism of scientific learning through an innovative design that is clearly and functionally organized. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place Friday, Sept. 29.

The $79-million (U.S.), four-storey STEM building will house instructional spaces, including general purpose high-flex classrooms, instructional labs, research space and wet labs that adapt to facilitate various classes, including biology and chemistry disciplines. Support areas will include an instrumentation room, cold room and dark-enabled room to conduct research and store materials in optimal conditions. In addition, a cafe, prefunction area and 200 to 250 seat classroom/meeting space is situated on the ground level, with a variety of collaboration spaces throughout the building.

Empowering community through education

UNTD's state-of-the-art facility will improve the lives of students and their families by recruiting, training and employing a more diverse work force. Through STEM education, UNTD will create upward mobility to a community of learners and first-generation college students by encouraging curiosity and engagement in the sciences.

In addition, Stantec is collaborating with HarrisonKornberg Architects, a minority-owned firm certified as a historically underutilized business, as well as with local educational and community institutions to encourage employment opportunities and internships, provide new technology for training, and prepare students for science careers.

Design through sustainability and wellness

With a direct tie to the natural beauty of the campus, the STEM building will be surrounded by meaningful outdoor spaces, and provide views of a courtyard, promenade and amphitheater. Exterior gathering areas will promote water conservation through native, drought-resistant and indigenous plantings that direct rainwater to a natural creek bed.

The interior design focuses on occupant well-being by embracing biophilia as a connection to nature through highly filtered clean air, locally sourced materials, and natural daylight and views. Building efficiency will be achieved through smart control systems and physical mobility is encouraged through easy access to stairwells.

Creating spaces for STEM

Stantec has steadily helped clients across North America respond to evolving academic and STEM learning, with related projects such as: Yale University Science Building; The University of Texas at Dallas Sciences Building; University of Lethbridge Science Commons (with KPMB Architects); West Chester University Sciences & Engineering Center; Central Michigan University Biosciences Building; Texas A&M University -- Corpus Christi Engineering & Life Sciences Research Building; and The University of Texas at Permian Basin School of Engineering Building.

Stantec is ranked as a top 10 design firm by Engineering News Record and Architectural Record, and ranked the No. 1 A/E (architectural/engineering) firm by Building Design + Construction for 10 consecutive years.

About Stantec Inc.

Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging, which is why Stantec always designs with community in mind.

Stantec cares about the communities it serves. This allows the company to: assess what is needed and connect its expertise; appreciate nuances and envision what has never been considered; and bring together diverse perspectives and collaborate toward a shared success.

Stantec comprises designers, engineers, scientists and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

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