b'PROGRESSIVE PROJECTSFROM AROUND THE PROVINCEAn inside look at the technology and innovation behindRRC Polytechs Manitou a bi Bii daziigaeBy James PetersRRC POLYTECHSMANITOU A BI BII DAZIIGAEThe recent expansion of Red River College (RRC) Polytechs Exchange District Campus in downtown Winnipeg is the first of the colleges buildings to receive an Indigenous name. Manitou a bi Bii daziigaewhere creator sits (Manitou a bi) and brings light (Bii daziigae) in Ojibwewas named through consultation and collaboration with Elders Paul Guimond and Una Swan, and given spirit through a pipe ceremony in November 2021. Previously known as the Innovation Centre project, the four-storey, 100,000-sq.-ft. building lies immediately north of the existing Roblin Centre.INNOVATION/VALUE #1: INNOVATION/VALUE #2: BIPV SOLAR CLADDINGSKYWALK AND PLAZA The name of the new centre is far from its only innovation. Visitors Living up to its reputation, the building iscant help but notice the buildings attractive cladding on the southern connected to the existing campus by a skywalkexposurebut the cosmetics are only an added bonus. The cladding above and a broad plaza at street level. The portionconsists of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels, a relatively of Elgin Avenue that previously divided the campusnew European technology designed to maximize the advantages from the new building has been turned into a plazaof solar energy. But unlike the familiar solar panels found on many and green space for students to use to study, meetmodern rooftopsincluding 138 units atop the new centrethese and relax. panels form the cladding on the buildings southern exterior.Converting that portion of Elgin into a We werent familiar with the BIPV technology, soour team actually visited SolarLabthe company plaza was a great solution. Its just a nice,that makes themin Denmark. This is the first use quiet space that consists of rest and studyof BIPVs on any building in North America, and the areas with benches and planters. Some of thetechnology not only delivers on its promise but also planters are also used for tree and vegetationhappens to be beautifulthe cladding changes colour plantings for students in the centres School of Indigenous Educationa practical use depending on time of day, ambient lighting and the angle as well.they are viewed. Collectively, the panels provide electrical power Maria Mendes, Director of Campus Renewalfor the centre from the outset. thats used within the building, one of the main sustainability goals and Environmental Stewardship, RRCJared Akman, Director of Operations, Akman Construction Ltd. 24 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'