Peter Basso Associates is currently providing MEP design engineering services for the planned addition and renovation of the WMU Aviation Center. The $20-million project will include the complete renovation of and 67,000 sf addition to the College's Aviation Education Center, which was originally constructed in the 90’s and is therefore in need of renovation in order to meet the modern-day demands of energy efficiency. The facility is located on WMU’s W.K. Kellogg Airport campus in Battle Creek, Michigan. $15-million of the project’s funding will be provided by the State and $5-million by the University and private donors.
Western Michigan University's College of Aviation is among the longest-running programs in the nation and is the only comprehensive collegiate aviation program in the State of Michigan. Programs currently being offered at the Aviation Center include Aviation Flight Sciences, Aviation Science and Administration and Aviation Maintenance Technology.
According to the FAA, (..."New State Funding Will Help" ... wmich.edu News, April 10, 2018) 'flight travel is expected to double by 2032, which will require the need for more than one million skilled aviation professionals by 2034.' In order to meet the demand, universities like Western Michigan University, who offer Aviation programs, are hoping to get ahead of the competition, by better preparing the next generation of aviation professionals for future industry needs using state-of-the-art / trendsetting programs and facilities.
The new addition and renovated space will include additional classrooms, upgrades to the existing and composite paint labs, a state-of-the-art simulation facility and a cutting-edge research center in addition to student briefing rooms and faculty office space.
Mechanical features will include a closed loop heat pump system with an enthalpy wheel energy recovery ventilator, which is anticipated to save the University 57% over an ASHRAE baseline system.
Some of the electrical engineering features will include a new single-ended unit substation and secondary distribution to provide power for the renovation and addition; interior and exterior lighting LED lighting and an uninterruptible power supply system. An emergency generator will be provided for computers in the testing center and IT rooms.
Groundbreaking is anticipated for August of 2018. The project, which is participating in the Consumers Energy Zero Net Energy pilot program, will pursue LEED Silver certification.
For more information on PBA's higher education design engineering services go to: https://www.peterbassoassociates.com/portfolio/education
For more info on Consumers Energy Zero Net Energy Pilot Program go to: https://www.consumersenergy.com/business/energy-efficiency/special-programs/pilot-programs
