I.H. Asper Clinical Research Institute - St. Boniface

This facility is one of only three in Canada.  The St. Boniface General Hospital hosts some of the greatest minds in the areas of heart and vascular research.  The new I.H. Asper Research Institute provides these individuals with the technology to take basic research discoveries and use them to give new and innovative treatments to Canadians suffering from heart and vascular disease, which claims 79,000 lives a year in Canada alone.   It is a cast-in-place five storey building with a link to the existing hospital.  Finishes include maple, granite and terrazzo.  The building also has a VIP lounge and an exterior mezzanine which overlooks the Red River viewing The Forks.

The I.H. Asper Research Institute began with the Red River Dyke being breached during the winter months in order to cast-in-place a dyke wall.  The dyke wall is integral to the building shape and foundation.  The narrow window of time in which this work could occur was critical in the planning of the foundation and structural framing of the building.  PCL Winnipeg self performed the work to complete the concrete structure, which includes a combination of loose formwork and hi-flyers.  Concrete Work was completed in September 2002.  Accumulatively PCL placed 4,600m³ of concrete and stood 26,000m² of formwork. 

The glazed atrium is a modified cone-shape with each piece of glass being a unique size and shape.  The exterior envelope consists of curtain wall, metal cladding, brick veneer and glazing.  The public is drawn to this building with its unique shape, large glazed mezzanine, wrap around patio overlooking the Red River and indoor water feature.