posted June 4: Nearing final phase of construction for AIC Wing

With the completion of the exterior of the McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) comes a new view of the east side of campus as you approach from Stearn Drive.

The hoarding around the MUSC is now gone and there are fewer construction vehicles in the immediate vicinity to obscure the view of the AIC Wing, the newest addition to the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business.

Construction on the AIC Wing began in October 2001 and should be substantially completed by the end of this month.

Most of the bricking has been completed on the exterior walls, while the mechanical and electrical work is near completion on the interior of the building.

The new addition will house the AIC Institute for Strategic Business Studies and the e-Business Research Centre, providing approximately 17,000 square feet of space on three levels. The open concept design features an abundance of windows, creating a bright and spacious feel to the four new classrooms, 19 offices, graduate and shared work spaces.

There are two classrooms in the lower level of the AIC wing: one a standard lecture theatre capable of accomodating 102 students, the other arranged in a unique 54-seat horseshoe configuration, designed specifically for case studies.

The second level main floor houses an e-commerce classroom with 50 computer stations as well as a 25-seat “Decision Centre” classroom facility.

The upper level of the new wing will be home to the anticipated expansion of the graduate program, featuring an open landscape design that also provides space for technical support and research lab/focus group areas.

Project manager David Heatlie expects that once flooring, ceiling and electrical tie-ups are completed, faculty and staff can begin moving into their new space starting in July.

Bob Hodgson, director, external relations for the School of Business, says, “It's exciting that we now have a new area to accomodate our innovation iniatives. We've created new space for our expanded PhD program and the increase in office space for new faculty and staff will allow us to better serve our students.”

The AIC wing is a welcome addition to the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business and Hodgson adds, “The architects have done a marvelous job of integrating the new with the old. When the new pathway is completed and the landscaping is in place, the AIC wing will be a visually exciting addition to our campus.”

PHOTOS: What a difference a month makes…(TOP TO BOTTOM)The AIC Wing as it appeared from the courtyard of the new MUSC late April; A side view of the new wing; From the front of the School of Business May 27; The architect's rendition of the finished project