University of Waterloo | Wilfrid Laurier University

“We asked for a design that sets us apart and fosters collaboration and intellectual creativity. We are very satisfied with the marvellous building that emerged.”

- Fred Kuntz, VP Public Affairs, CIGI

This new construction 100,000 ft2building is located within the CIGI campus in Waterloo, Ontario, and consists of tiered classrooms, offices and a two-storey auditorium. The Campus was honoured with the International Award for Architecture by The Royal Institution for British Architecture along with 12 other buildings globally.

HH Angus provided complete electrical, communication and vertical transportation consulting services for the new Balsillie School of International Affairs. This educational facility is in partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Waterloo and the Centre for International Governance Innovation. It offers Masters and PhD programs.

Our Electrical scope included designing the building’s power distribution, fire alarm, emergency lighting, communications, audio visual and security systems.

A UPS system backs up the building server room to ensure critical research data was not lost during a utility power interruption. An emergency diesel generator was installed to support the essential loads throughout the building. Low voltage lighting controls and occupancy sensors were implemented as an energy savings measure.

The architect designed a large percentage of the ceiling spaces as exposed concrete. This presented an interesting challenge to our engineering design team, who delivered a solution incorporating all the electrical, audiovisual and communication services without affecting the architectural design intent.