Western Interdisciplinary Research Building

Western Interdisciplinary Research Building

Western Interdisciplinary Research Building.

Project announcement

Phase one of the Western Interdisciplinary Research Building (WIRB) is a planned, multi-phased, 8 storey* plus penthouse, new construction project. The new building was master programmed and planned to include an initial 131,000 sq.ft.* phase one science building including 24,000 sq.ft. of shelled space. The phase one building will house dry laboratories, teaching and research space, classrooms, public amenities and a public plaza. The finished portion of the building brings together faculty, staff and students from across the campus to consolidate two major groups – Research Cluster for Cognitive Neuroscience, Rotman Institute of Philosophy and general university class room space. The facility will be located on the current Visual Arts parking lot off Perth Drive.

The design process was undertaken at an accelerated pace to meet the desired completion schedule for late 2017 / early 2018. The Cannon Design Team met with building occupants on a regular basis completing the functional program. Concurrently with the program, the team developed the building massing plan, and positioning the building on the site. The design was completed and the tender was released for construction in mid-November 2015, with the Award of the construction contract scheduled for mid-to-late winter 2016.

* Since the announcement, the building scope has sharpened to be 7 storeys and roughly 120,000 sq.ft.

Construction Image(s) 

WIRB Spring 2017WIRB progress picture

FAQ

Who is affected by the construction?

The Visual Arts parking lot will be closed for the duration of the project. Permit holders are encouraged to find spaces in nearby lots including Springett, South Valley, and Medway, which are typically under capacity.

How will my commute be affected?

Construction is scheduled to be completed in late 2017 / early 2018 and may impact the surrounding roads and pathways throughout the project. Western officials are asking the community to remain patient during the construction and find alternate routes when possible.

Where can I learn more about the construction?

FM tracks construction updates on this webpage and on Twitter, @westernuFM. Feel free to email questions or comments relating to the project; facilities.management@uwo.ca

Why is the building being built?

The facility will continue to enhance the University's research profile, providing a unique space for interdisciplinary study.

Construction Update

Summer Months

Update: Work began March 7, 2016, resulting in the closure of the Visual Arts Parking Lot on March 4. Site work will continue through the summer.

Service Interruption

Visual Arts Parking Lot will remain closed for the duration of the project. Service interruptions will be tweeted (@westernuFM) and posted on this page.

July 4 - 24 BUS REROUTING

July 4, 2016 Service Interruption Notice

March 1, 2016 Service Interruption Notice

Project Size:
131,000 sq. ft. 120, 000 sq. ft. (7 Storeys)

Project Schedule
Construction: Winter 2016 until Late 2017 / early 2018
Move-in: Late 2017 / early 2018

Project Location:
The project will reside on the Visual Arts Parking Lot, located on the east side of Perth Dr and north of the Visual Arts Building.

Project Location