PROVIDENCE – Construction started June 1 on the renovations to the Brown University Metcalf laboratories that will house the newly formed department of cognitive, linguistic and psychological sciences.
Providence-based Dimeo Construction will create an 81,000-square-foot space with classrooms, laboratories, and meeting and lounge areas to support the department. The university expects work to wrap up in October 2011.
The university named Boston-based Leers Weinzapfel Associates as project architects. The firm designed the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab and the expansion of the Science Center at Harvard University.
“The leading-edge work of the new department requires a structure that allows for the seamless integration of educational, experimental and group activities,” said William Heindel, department chair and professor of cognitive, linguistic, and psychological sciences. “The completed Metcalf building will provide this space and give us the foundation we need.” Brown University said designs call for the building to meet silver certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. The program encourages the design of energy efficient buildings.
In a news release, the university said it determined renovating the laboratories would be more cost-effective given recent budget constraints. In March, Brown said it would cut jobs and raise tuition in light of the poor economic climate. The value of Brown’s endowment dropped 27 percent to $2.02 billion in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, according to the National Association of College and University Business Officers.
In an analysis of economic impact of the $42 million project commissioned by Brown, Appleseed Inc. predicted the renovations would create a total of 86 jobs both directly in construction and indirectly for subcontractors and vendors. It also estimated that the renovation will generate $21.6 million in economic output for Rhode Island.
Once open, Brown said the center would focus on studying how the mind works. The department also plans to hire seven new faculty members.
