You know a trend has arrived when Livonia jumps on the bandwagon, even more so when the Catholic Church comes along for the ride. Such is the case with green building in Metro Detroit now that Madonna University is constructing Livonia's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified structure.
The SmithGroup-designed building is the first one built on the campus of the private, liberal arts university in 40 years. The 60,000 square-foot structure includes an array of environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient features, such as motion-detecting lights and natural
lighting, waterless urinals and low flush toilets, recycled materials and environmentally-friendly
materials and storm water diversion among others.
"This building is a symbol of the dedicated faculty, energetic students, accomplished alumni and visionary trustees and administrators," says Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa, Madonna’s president. "Its green qualities and LEED certification testify to our seriousness of purpose regarding the Franciscan value of reverence for creation."
The addition is applying for silver LEED certification,
joining a number of other new construction and renovation projects across Metro
Detroit and the nation. School leaders think this will pay future benefits
because the school will serve science students and give them a firsthand
experience with environmentally friendly technology.
The structure will feature modern
laboratories, classrooms, equipment, studios and a 150-seat lecture hall. There
will be nine specialized laboratories for astronomy, quantum physics, genetics,
chemistry, forensic science, and microbiology. Those will be joined by three
research laboratories equipped with advanced instrumentation for rapidly
growing programs like forensic science. A digital, high-definition television studio and
radio studio will feature master control rooms, an advanced editing lab and
six editing suites.
Source: Madonna University
Writer: Jon Zemke
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