by Ann Withanee — November 30, 2011—Redwood Systems, provider of building-performance lighting solutions, has been selected by EdCampus to deliver networked LED lighting control and building performance products for its Campus of the Future prototype, according to a recent announcement. Under terms of the agreement, Redwood Systems will serve as a prime supplier of building-performance lighting technologies for the EdCampus Twin Cities project, a state-of-the-art destination for learning and innovation. EdCampus chose Redwood for its ability to deliver energy-efficient lighting control technology, as well as a host of building intelligence applications tied to its high-density sensor network.
EdCampus provides superior satellite learning environments for institutions seeking affordable solutions that advance educational goals and meet the lifestyle needs of adult learners. Its Twin Cities Campus of the Future project is an innovative educational model that leverages the power of combining dynamic students from diverse institutions, backgrounds and disciplines into a single campus outfitted with the best available technology, customizable classroom space and student-centric services. The company plans to replicate this facility throughout the country in hopes of setting the standard for energy efficiency and building performance in educational institutions.
The prototype focuses not only on the physical plant but also the student body. The prototype is designed to encourage student creativity, ingenuity, collaboration and academic advancement in “new and unexpected ways.”
“Redwood’s ability to markedly reduce energy usage through lighting enables schools to operate efficiently within the constraints of limited budgets and be environmentally responsible,” said Tim Engen, President of EdCampus. “But what sets Redwood apart is its ability to make students more productive by ensuring there is a comfortable and safe environment in which they can do their best work. They provide a single system from which to monitor and adjust temperature, air quality and lighting levels and even locate students in case of emergency.”
Redwood Systems powers enhanced building performance through lighting, and Redwood points to its development as “the world’s only commercial lighting control platform with integrated building intelligence.”
The initial EdCampus will be located in the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, metropolitan area. After five years in active research and planning, the 600,000 sq. ft. facility will be located on a 49-acre site and is anticipated to house as many as 40 higher educational institutions, a regional workforce center, a regional library, and unique modular and unitized classroom and laboratory environments. The facility will be powered by EdEnCo, a center of renewable energy and alternate energy training and production facility.
The EdCampus building design seeks to create a collaborative learning environment by using a “heart” to connect multiple classroom wings. The aesthetic spirit of the building provides a modern interpretation of classic building elements such as colonnades and public plazas. The design evokes a sense of community connectivity, stability, and permanence, while at the same time reaching towards the future by contributing to the long-term sustainability of society with visible green technology.
The national architectural firm, HGA, an integrated architecture, engineering and master planning firm, and numerous national preferred suppliers have formed integrated design collaboratives to forward the design/development to completion.
The project expects a spring 2012 construction start, an estimated construction workforce of 1,500, and an estimated full-time and support staff of 400-425. Total project costs are expected to exceed $220 million.
