The New Student' Union Building

In 2005, the Students' Union initiated plans to renovate and expand the current Studens' Union Building in order to meet the needs of Langara College's growing population. After conducting a cost study, it was determined that it would be more expensive to renovate the existing facilities than to construct a new building. Based upon the information provided by Teeple Architects, a decision was made to erect a new building.

Over the last 18 months, the Executive of the Students' Union has met with students through formal focus groups to assist in helping us design a building that meets students' needs. Based upon the feedback that we recieved, the Students' Union worked with Teeple Architects to create a schemativ design that will make our new building a focal point for student life on campus. Plans for the new building include:

• 19,000 square feet of space (nearly twice the size of the current building)
• Cafe/Restaurant
• 700 square foot presentation room for guest lectures and meetings
  
• 300 square foot meeting room
• Used Bookstore
• 5 new constituency centres including a large accessibility centre for disabled students
• New administration offices and executive meeting room
• Outdoor covered terrace
• Bike shop
  
• Student newspaper office

In addition to the above features, the building will also be designed in accordance with Gold LEED standards, The Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) is a green building rating system, which provides standards for environmentally sustainable construction and design. In adhering to these requirements, the new building will have:

• 50-60% greater energy efficiency than the model Nation Energy Code
• An energy efficient building envelope
  
• Solar shading
• Triple Glazing
• Green roof for rainwater absrption
• Rainwater recycling
• Gray water recycling
• Natural displacement ventilation
• Natural and low VOC materials
• Green maintenance program
• Improved campus green space

Construction on the new Building will begin in April of 2008 and it is estimated to take approximately 16 months from demolition to construction. During the construction phase, the Students' Union will be temporarily relocated in a portable on campus property (in the car park near the Library).