Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/493534
64 | A PR IL 2015 Active Living Centre – University of Manitoba "This will house our researchers and academics, and will be an integral com- ponent of the Faculty and University to further enhance the research and pro- grams on healthy living and physical activity," says Wang. He adds that the high-performance training centre on the first level is for training by members of the University's Bison Sports varsity programs. "The fitness levels for people using the Active Living Centre range from the elite athlete to anyone who is a total beginner at exercise." Wang says even in the beginning of the project concept development, the team had hoped the location of the facil- ity would act as a gateway to the rest of the Fort Garry campus. "We are right on the western edge as people come in from two main routes. Even those who may not be interested in using the Centre can go through the food service area for something to eat on the way to classes. The Centre is going to be important because it will be a vibrant hub for peo- ple who want to remain at the University, or those who are living in the residences. It goes back to the vision of live, work, learn, play campus community." Construction of the LEED Silver Active Living Centre was intended to be an extension of the current campus, and is built to last for decades to come. "The entire rectangular building has four usable levels," says Karol Pietrzykowski, project manager for PCL Constructors Canada Ltd. "From the basement to Level 300 is the concrete portion of the building and from there levels 400 and 500 are all structural steel. Steel col- umns support the running track, giving the illusion it is floating." Pietrzykowski says the new build- ing is attached to the south side of the existing Frank Kennedy Centre, sharing a wall to make it look like an extension, with a connection between the two at Level 100. A new tunnel connects the buildings on the southwest corner of the campus to the rest of the univer- sity. "This is very much an open concept building. The triple glazing gives all the benefits of the light during the daytime but keeps the solar gain at a minimum, especially with the solar shades on the south side," he says. With all of the amenities at the Active Living Centre, students and residents in the Winnipeg area will have many healthy days ahead. A PHOTOGRAPHY IAN MCCAUSLAND/ COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA