Don and Marion McDougall Hall is home to the UPEI School of Business. Completed in 2008, McDougall Hall has many attractive architectural and design elements. Find out more about out building here.
Q. Our new building, McDougall Hall has copper siding and looks very expensive. Why did we use copper? Is it going to turn green?
A. That's real copper! And, like real copper, it will weather and change colour. Copper has a long material lifespan and is a recyclable cladding material. The greening or oxidizing of the copper takes place over a period of time, and will change accordingly through a range of hues — between the original bright golden colour to that of the iconic green copper of government and prestige buildings throughout Canada. There are actually browns, oranges, and purples mixed into this transition of the material and these changes will provide the building with a dynamic and organic appeal that makes each visit to the building, depending on the time of day or the passing of time itself, a new and intriguing experience.
The copper was affordable and competitive with other surfaces because the Executive Director of the American Copper Council, who is a friend of the School of Business and of UPEI, helped to connect us with some very helpful suppliers.
Q. What are McDougall Hall's most interesting and innovative features?
A. The new School of Business (SBA) is a significant addition to the UPEI campus, with some stunning architectural features. Running down the entire centre of the building are lecture theatres with two-storey hallways on either side, with lots of natural light pouring in. The large south atrium called the “Schurman Market Square,” the east hall called “Market Street,” and the west hall are excellent places to conduct a range of functions, from individual or group study to full-scale social engagements and ceremonies. The west hall also features a wooden bench that runs the entire length of the building.
Q. The windows in some parts of the building are tiny. Does that mean there is hardly any natural light?
A. McDougall Hall is flooded with natural light and these small windows help to provide it. These windows overlook the “streets” or corridors within the new building and add to the overall level of natural light.
Q. We hear a lot about sustainability on campus. Does the new building use much energy to heat and light?
A. Our building is designed to take advantage of energy from the natural environment. Mechanically, it utilizes geothermal energy to both heat and cool interior space. A radiant floor system, combined with the solar massing potential of a concrete slab and excellent sources of natural light, make the building much more effective in terms of heating potential. Architecturally, an effort was made to bring natural light into both the social spaces and the teaching spaces. Large acoustically designed interior windows borrow light from the halls and draw it into the inner teaching and lecture areas. Electrically, the building utilizes occupancy sensors to maximize energy efficiency in hallways and washrooms. This makes shutting down spaces when they are not in use much more cost- and energy-efficient. In terms of the cost of running the building, we will not have definitive numbers until the building has been fully occupied and in use for one year.
Q. When did staff and faculty move in and when did the first classes take place?
A. The faculty and staff physically moved into the new building into May, 2008. The first class was held during the spring and summer session in June 2008.
Q. When did the official opening take place?
A. The official opening took place in September 2008.
Q. How much did the new facility cost in total?
A. The cost of the new building is approximately $11.7 million.
Q. We know the new facility will house our School of Business. Who else is there?
A. Others occupying the building include UPEI’s Centre for Life-Long Learning and Three Oaks Innovation Inc. The School’s Co-operative Education, International, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, and Tourism Research Centre initiatives are part of the new building. Student groups such as the Business Society and Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (SIFE) are also occupants.
Q. Are the SBA meeting rooms and lecture theatres available for booking by others on campus? If so, who is the contact person?
A. Yes, the rooms are available for others to book. The contact person is at fmworkorders@upei.ca.
