Columbia Theological Seminary to Celebrate Ground-blessing for New, Green Residence Hall

Columbia Theological Seminary trustees will gather on the campus April 1 to celebrate a "ground-blessing" at the site of a new $9.6 million student residence hall that is expected to enhance on-campus community life.

Designed by architecture firm Lord, Aeck & Sargent, the 60-bed residence hall will feature a variety of sustainable design strategies.

The building is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council and is targeted for LEED1 silver certification.

Construction will begin on the four-story, 34,000-square-foot structure this spring and should be completed by spring 2009.

"This new residence hall, badly needed by our students, is a critical part of our plan to keep Columbia competitive not only with other theological schools but with other professional schools for the most talented leaders of the 21st century," said Laura Mendenhall, Columbia president.

The new residence hall is expected to use approximately 50 percent less energy use than a conventionally constructed facility.

To improve energy efficiency, lighting strategies will include motion sensor switching, energy efficient lamps and generous amounts of daylighting.

"We sited the building to enhance its energy efficiency," said Meg Needle, AIA, LEED AP, a Lord, Aeck & Sargent associate who is serving as project manager during the design and construction of the residence hall.

"In orienting the facility, we minimized its east and west exposures to reduce sun angles, thus reducing unwanted glare and heat gain."