April 16, 2009 — A reminder that the University of Virginia will hold a joint groundbreaking celebration Friday at 3 p.m. for two buildings that will serve as an engineering and science gateway to the University and support faculty and student research.

The information technology engineering building, Rice Hall, will provide state-of-the-art facilities for collaborative researchers throughout the School of Engineering and Applied Science and across Grounds. The building will make possible research in areas such as high-performance computing, computer visualization, information assurance, computer security, energy conservation, wireless communications, telemedicine, virtual reality, distributed multimedia and distance learning.

The Physical and Life Sciences Building will create new laboratory space for the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Located on Geldard Drive adjacent to the Chemistry Building and Gilmer Hall, the building provides much-needed state-of-the-art wet lab and low-vibration space designed for flexible, interdisciplinary use.

Media are invited to cover the groundbreaking ceremony. Free parking will be available in the T4 and E3 lots across Whitehead Road or in the Central Grounds Parking Garage. Television trucks should park in the open area near Wilsdorf Hall.

The following people will be available for interviews after the ceremony.

Dean James H. Aylor, School of Engineering and Applied Science, 434-924-3593

Dean Meredith Jung-En Woo, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, 434-924-4611

Darrell Kauric, architect, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, 412-765-3890

Barry Johnson, associate dean for research, School of Engineering and Applied Science,
434- 924-3310

Click here for high-res images of the buildings.

Click here for the full press release issued April 8.

For information or assistance, contact Fariss Samarrai at 434-924-3778.