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Supporting women through building science
Building Science master's students
Building Science master’s students are providing their expertise to improve the energy efficiency, comfort and durability of the new North York Women’s Shelter (external link) – and gaining real-world experience in the process.
The win-win collaboration is the brainchild of Greg Labbé, Building Science research lab technician, who facilitated this opportunity for women in the program to gain valuable job-site experience in a male-dominated industry. Students participated in meetings with architects, builders and engineers and contributed to technical discussions about the project.
“It’s a unique experience, looking over construction details, discussing potential technical challenges, and then thinking about the women who will be occupants of this building,” said Building Science master’s student Jelena Madzarevic. “Contributing to a real-world project designed to support women was an eye-opening experience.”
Since fall 2017, master’s students have been helping LGA Architectural Partners (external link) detail the shelter’s air-barrier system to meet the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ stringent air-tightness standards. The goal is to improve energy efficiency, reduce discomfort, increase building durability and lower operating costs.
“We are fortunate to have really engaging faculty and staff that are passionate about buildings,” said Madzarevic. “We were provided countless opportunities to develop and practice job-ready skills such as the opportunity Greg extended to us with the North York Women’s Shelter.”
The 2270-square-metre 17-bedroom facility is scheduled to be completed in summer 2019.
Photo credit: Greg Labbé
“Contributing to a real-world project designed to support women was an eye-opening experience.”
The Building Science Lab’s work was made possible by the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science Dean’s Pedagogical Innovation Fund.
Project team members
Faculty:
Dr. Mark Gorgolewski, Chair, Department of Architectural Science
Dr. Russell Richman, Associate Chair, Graduate Studies and Graduate Program Director, Building Science
Staff:
Greg Labbé, Building Science Research Lab Technician
Building Science master’s students:
Erica Barnes
Laura DesRosiers
Jonathan Graham
Romina Kaveh
Elizabeth Leriche
Jelena Madzarevic
Mahsa Nikafkar
Greer Stanier
Austin Todd
Roja Varzegani Safarza
Yu Ying (Anna) Wang
Hannah Weger
LGA Architectural Partners:
Chantal Cornu, Architect
Kris Payne, Senior Associate
Rachel Law, Project Designer
EllisDon:
Robert Quattrociocchi, Building and Material Sciences Manager
Christopher Simonelli, Superintendent
Yung Tang, Project Manager
North York Women’s Shelter:
Mohini Datta-Ray, Executive Director
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