In order for a university to maximize its educational and research capabilities, it is essential to have adequate space and excellent infrastructure. As part of its “Third Founding,” then, Yonsei is undertaking a number of construction projects designed to revitalize the Sinchon campus while expanding space for learning and research.
New Building for School of Business
In recent years, it has become apparent that the College of Economics and Commerce is outgrowing Daewoo Hall, where most of its classrooms and offices are located. To provide a long-term solution, a new building will be constructed using the most advanced green technology available. Once completed, it will be six stories tall, with three underground levels. Inside, there will be twenty-one classrooms, an MBA lounge, and a computer lab. On the exterior of the building, a design will be installed representing Yongjae Hall, the building that formerly occupied the site, and there will also be a large row of azalea bushes replanted.
The new structure has already been certified as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building by the U.S. Green Building Council, which recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. It has also received the highest grade from Korea’s Green Building Certification. The construction is expected to be completed in August, and it will open its doors to students and faculty shortly thereafter, just in time for the beginning of the fall semester.
Expanding Science Hall and Repairing Exterior Walls
Science Hall was built in 1984 with a total area of 21,388m2. In recent years, the exterior walls of the building have suffered damage, while researchers, students, and teachers have had to deal with a shortage of laboratory space. Because of this, work to expand Science Hall and repair the walls has begun.
The expansion will take place on the northern side of the building, where forty-seven laboratories will be added, along with a lobby, lounge, rest rooms, and facilities for waste disposal and recycling storage. A number of high-tech features will be installed, including an efficient heating and air-conditioning system, water heaters, exhaust hoods, air and vacuum pumps, ecofriendly LED lighting, transformers and motors, elevators, high-speed internet, and an unmanned crime prevention system.
The walls are being reconstructed using granite stones and high-tech insulation in order to increase energy efficiency, while aluminum-framed windows will be used to improve thermal performance. The work on Science Hall is expected to be completed this August.
Extending North and South Wings of Engineering Research Park
Work to extend the north and south wings of the Engineering Research Park is currently in progress. The extensions are intended to increase research and faculty space at the College of Engineering; once completed, an additional 20,826m2 of space will be created.
The new areas will host forty-one faculty offices and fifty-seven laboratories. Fan coil units run using geothermal power will be installed in the ceiling to provide heating and cooling. Two elevators will be added, and a new entrance will be created. The outer wall will be constructed using granite and low-emissivity windows in order to improve energy efficiency. At present, the construction is about 60% complete, and it is expected to be finished in June.
Woojeongwon Dormitory
Thanks to a generous donation from Lee Jung-geun, chairman of Booyoung Corporation, construction on Woojeongwon Dormitory began in April 2013. Completed in November 2014, the dormitory complex has helped to solve the shortage of student housing on the Sinchon Campus. Consisting of four five-story buildings, Woojeongwon now accommodates 379 students in 174 rooms. There are also two underground levels in each building.
Each of the rooms has a toilet and shower, along with floor heating and air-conditioning. Common spaces include kitchens, study rooms, community rooms, a gym, laundry room, and mail room. In order to maximize energy efficiency, the heating and cooling systems are run using geothermal power. Woojeongwon has also received the highest grade from Korea’s Green Building Certification.
Baekyang Concert Hall
In March 2013, Centennial Hall was reborn as Baekyang Concert Hall. The space is used to hold a variety of concerts, performances, and lectures. The renovation significantly enhanced the hall’s acoustics, especially for classical music performances. The number of seats was reduced from 904 to 829 in order to create a more pleasant and comfortable atmosphere. At the same time, advanced audiovisual technology was added to improve the quality of performances and the overall audience experience.
Outdoor Theater at Internal Campus
A new outdoor theater will be built on the International Campus (YIC) in Songdo. Construction will begin in August, and it is expected to be completed in January 2016. Once finished, the theater, with a capacity of about 6000, will play host to concerts, festivals, and other cultural events. The total cost for the project is approximately 4 billion won.