October 10, 2003—The newly completed Cook-DeVos Health Sciences Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is equipped with the latest in building-management technologies: a fully integrated system of essential functions that can be controlled remotely from Grand Valley State University’s main campus in Allendale, some 15 miles away.
Provided by Siemens Building Technologies, the high-tech system incorporates controls for safety and security, environmental conditions, and telecommunications into a single system that affords instant access and monitoring from personal computers located within the building itself and on the Grand Rapids or Allendale campuses.
The integrated controls for the $57.1 million facility includes an “intelligent” fire alarm and smoke detection system, a security access card system for the building and two-level parking garage, a self-regulating HVAC system, elevator controls, closed-circuit TV monitors strategically situated throughout the 215,000 sq. ft. building, a telephone network, and a precision clock system. Siemens also is providing maintenance services for all of the building’s mechanical and electronic control systems.
According to university officials, the Cook DeVos Center houses all of the GVSU’s health-professions programs as well as its most expensive lab equipment and most sensitive research. The building includes 24 classrooms and seminar rooms, 30 teaching and research labs, 200 faculty offices, 18 conference rooms, and a 150-seat auditorium.
