Alumni Association of Lakehead University

Lakehead University and Moriyama and Teshima today unveiled the first structure in Lakehead’s new campus. This and all future buildings on the campus will be designed and constructed to achieve Canada’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum status. Located in Orillia, Ontario, the Lakehead University - Orillia campus will be a living model of healthy environments, the conservation of natural resources, a high level of energy and water efficiency, and a reduction in the production of waste and release of substances harmful to the biosphere. Built in three phases, all buildings on the campus will be built to LEED Platinum standards and thus will be the “first LEED Platinum university campus” in Canada. The project breaks ground in 2009 and will accommodate 7,000 students upon completion.

“Students who choose Lakehead University — Orillia campus will study in an environment that will be built to the highest levels of environmental responsibility,” says Dr. Fred Gilbert, President of Lakehead University. "Not only will the Orillia campus ensure the long-term sustainability and vitality of Lakehead University, it will place Lakehead in the enviable position of being a continental leader in energy conservation, ecological awareness, and social consciousness.”

The architectural firm of Moriyama and Teshima was chosen from among seven architectural firms following a rigorous selection process. Daniel Teramura, Partner of Moriyama and Teshima, says: “We were delighted to have been awarded this project. The development of LEED-standard buildings is one of our specialty areas, and we are very keen to demonstrate how a university campus can successfully combine responsiveness to the vital needs of students, faculty, and staff while being aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sustainable at the same time.”

According to Teramura, Phase I of the project consists of an academic building which will accommodate up to 1,500 students. Expected to open in the fall of 2010, Phase I will cost $40 to $50 million. 

“University design is our passion,” says Teramura. “We are confident that our experience in designing LEED buildings internationally will ensure that Lakehead University achieves its goal.  We are looking forward to working with Lakehead to execute a unique design that expresses the University’s vision of creating an enduring campus in harmony with land, nature, site, and context.” Read full article