Based on a recommendation from the Architect Selection Committee, Trent University's Board of Governors today authorized administration to enter into an agreement with a joint-venture architectural design group for the provision of design services for the Integrated Humanities/First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) and Residential College.

Dunlop/Two Row joined together to make their submission, in association with Erik Wilke Architect, a local Peterborough firm. Dunlop is the same firm being used for the design of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Professor John Earnshaw, Chair of the Selection Committee notes, "This is a momentous occasion for Trent University and a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for students, faculty and staff."

Michael Moxam, Principal of Dunlop Architects, says "We are thrilled to have this opportunity of working with the students, faculty and staff of Trent University. The powerful architectural legacy of the campus combined with the rich cultural layers of the program and the beautiful river frontage, holds the promise of a meaningful and powerful project."

A key milestone in the project was the Board's unanimous decision on November 30, 2001 that the new residential college would be owned and operated by the university and integrated with academic space. A Request for Proposal for architectural design services was issued the same day. A Short List Panel reviewed the submissions and forwarded the names of six of Canada's best designers to the Architect Selection Committee, which met on January 16 to make its final selection.

In order to have facilities complete for September 2003, construction management is being used as the project delivery mechanism. Construction management is a fast track project delivery process and will result in a number of the stages of the construction project tendered sequentially. Benefits of construction management include quicker delivery time, improved quality control, and greater opportunities for local sub-trades to bid on parts of the project.

Next steps in the design process include the appointment of the user group committee that will be responsible for providing input on the design. The user group will interact with the architects and Physical Resources Department to finalize the design requirements within budget parameters. They will also consult with students, faculty, and staff, including the Native Studies department about the First Peoples House of Learning.

The integrated facility will include: a 250 bed dormitory style residential college (67,000 square feet); teaching and research space for Native Studies and Humanities and other academic programs; suitable space for conferences; air-conditioning; universally accessible rooms; and rooms wired for voice, data and the internet. The estimated construction value of the project is $20 million.