Manitoba Chamber of Commerce
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/755841
per year in high-demand trades and technologies, including carpentry, electrical, sheet metal, and heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC). The facility will also support mechanical and manufacturing technologies and innovation in related sectors such as robotics and automation, hydraulics and pneumatics, materials, electronics and computer- aided design. Bill Noakes, chair of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Communications, says one of the most exciting aspects is the Innovation Lab, which will be used for student projects as well as applied research initiatives with industry. "We're going to implement new equipment and materials into the program to enhance student learning. The Innovation Lab will allow students to display their work front and centre," Noakes says. One project will involve electric cars. Noakes says RRC is looking forward to getting involved in the Shell Eco-Challenge, which asks student teams around the world to design, build, test and drive ultra-energy-efficient vehicles. Not surprisingly, the STTC was planned to be extremely student-friendly. Kuzyk says design elements reflect the full engagement of all staff, students and organizations, with flexible learning spaces for student/industry collaborations and sustainable technologies and achievements. Not only will the STTC serve as an advanced training facility for students studying in the trades but it will also serve as a living laboratory for the College's ongoing work studying building envelope technology – namely the materials used to enclose and insulate the building and protect it from the elements. Some of the new technology used to enhance this research will be drones retrieving current moisture and temperature readings, wall sensors, exposed HVAC systems, and other innovations that can be monitored by simply downloading an app that will stream live results to a tablet or smartphone for any user interested in learning more about the buildings performance. "These innovations are some of the tools in place that will make the building a teaching tool for students and a resource for industry," says Kuzyk. "It's as in tune with the student needs and our research needs as any building could possibly be." ■ The new facility is expected to boost technology and skilled trades training by up to 30 per cent. Photos courtesy of Number TEN Architectural Group and Ager Little Architects Inc.