Academic: Post-Secondary

The Productivity and Innovation Centre (PIC) at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a 17,650 square metre applied research centre and teaching facility that houses advanced manufacturing and testing laboratory spaces, acceleration spaces for small- and medium-sized businesses, a 250-person multi-purpose lecture theater, classrooms, and collaboration spaces, along with administrative and industry partner offices.

NAIT is one of the largest polytechnic institutes in Canada, providing education in advanced technologies, business, skilled trades, and allied health to more than 80,000 registrants annually in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region and in Alberta, as well as nationally and internationally. The sustainable technologies employed in the construction of the PIC provided an efficient and highly adaptable building that will be utilized for many generations.

As the Electrical Engineering sub-consultant, SMP was involved in the design of the power distribution and emergency power systems; low-tension systems, including the data, telephone, and emergency call systems; audio visual systems; camera (CCTV) systems; access control and clock systems; fire alarm systems; and photovoltaic schematic design. Additionally, SMP was involved in designing the centre’s sustainability, which included controllability, energy, and commissioning. The intent of the design was to provide an energy-efficient building with minimal operating costs, while keeping within the available budget.