$34-M high tech centre planned for university.

• Author: GOULIQUER, DIANNE
• Position: Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

A planned $34-million technology centre at Lakehead University will offer students, community groups and conference delegates a host of advanced technologies.

The Advanced Technology and Academic Centre (ATAC) will measure 8,400-square-metres and will house advanced technology applications, primarily in the area of engineering and computer science. Construction will begin in summer 2001 and is expected to be complete by January 2003.

John Whitfield, LU research and development vice-president, says the building will act as the school's centralized computer facility. He says ATAC will boost Lakehead University's reputation as a centre of technological excellence.

"It's really going to be a strong statement that the university is there on the cutting-edge of technology," he says. "I think it's going to move us forward."

The facility will create over 1,300 new spaces for students and will include "smart" classrooms, videoconferencing facilities, multi-media productions/teaching services, Geographic Information Systems facilities and computer labs.

A 300-seat lecture theatre with "all the electronic bells and whistles" is planned for the facility, and Whitfield says...