University of Canterbury Plans Regional Science and Innovation Centre

The University of Canterbury will begin construction in mid-2014 on the $212 million Regional Science and Innovation Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand. Providing technology-rich classrooms and laboratories to support progressive science pedagogies, the facility will accommodate a variety of learning modalities including small laboratory discovery groups, online instruction, and face-to-face teaching. Glass walls throughout the building will provide visibility into multidisciplinary laboratories accommodating programs in biology, chemistry, geography, geology, physics, and astronomy. The facility will house a variety of informal learning spaces and interaction areas to promote collaboration. Occupancy of the first phase is expected in early 2017.