New Research Facilities for Grain Storage and Architecture

Plans are now in place for the construction of a 15,000 square-foot state-of-the-art grain storage research centre at the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry campus. This $4 million facility will be the site of integrated studies into grain storage issues such as insect management, mycotoxin research, grain drying and structural analysis. Research at the centre will focus on protecting and increasing grain production in Canada and around the world. The project is being funded through a partnership between the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Manitoba Innovations Fund, the private sector and the university.

The Centre for Architectural Structures and Technology (C.A.S.T.) began construction in 1999. This research facility - unique to North America - will allow students in the Faculties of Architecture and Engineering, as well as sculptors, to conduct experiments on building materials, products and technologies on sections of the walls that have purposely been left unfi nished. C.A.S.T. was initiated by grants from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Manitoba Innovation Fund in support of research conducted by Mark West, architecture, on fabric formed concrete. Partner-ships have also been formed with the construction industry and design community.