During my time as President, I’ve gotten to talk to the Faculty on numerous occasions about the new Engineering 7 building that’s going up between E5 and E6 (to confuse visitors for decades to come). I’m honored to officially announce the plans for E8, E9, and E10. Each will offer facilities unique to various programs, as part of the Faculty’s push for more hands on experience for students.
First up, E8. It will house primarily Software engineering students, along with ECE and Tron. To prepare students for the harsh California climate, E8 will have an atrium full of sand, with heat lamps to maintain the correct temperature. The foundation will shake at random intervals to simulate earthquakes, allowing students to practice hiding under desks, a critical skill for any Cali co-op. Furthermore, there will be dedicated side-project studios for students to work on and improve their resumes.
Next, E9. This will be the new home of Chemical Engineering (E6 just wasn’t cutting it). Similar to E8, the primary aim will be to help prepare students for co-op. This will include walk in freezers throughout most of the building, to reflect the frigid winters of Alberta. Permafrost will provide the foundation, and make up each floor. Cowboy hats and boots will be mandatory in all labs, and exclusively country music will be played at the C&D. Unfortunately for those not from Alberta, the music will sound like the same song on repeat, so I recommend switching programs if not from out West.
Finally E10. This will be primarily for Civil and Architectural Engineering students. Rather than a traditional building, Waterloo has decided to innovate. E10 will instead be a bridge, connecting E8 and E9. Classes will take place outdoors, increasing the amount of sunlight engineering students receive by a factor of 10. Be sure to stock up on that sunscreen for summer class, and bundle up during the winter! Waterloo has rarely been known to call a snow day, and no changes are expected, even with the addition of outdoor classes. Earthquake simulations from E8 may affect the bridge, so take care not to stand too close to the edge.
Thank you very much for taking a look at the upcoming Engineering plans, I hope you found something to look forward to. If you have any concerns, questions, or comments on the building designs, don’t hesitate to pass them along to the incoming A-Society president Abdullah Barakat.
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