FIRST "VEDIC-GREEN" STUDENT CENTER TO OPEN

America’s First “Vedic-Green” Student Center to Open
at Maharishi International University on Feb. 1

$7.5 Million, 50,000 Sq. Ft. Building Incorporates
Ancient Design Principles with Modern Sustainable Technologies

Inaugural Ceremony • 12:30 PM • Press Invited
Argiro Student Center • MUM • Fairfield, Iowa

America’s first university student center built according to the ancient design principles of Maharishi Vedic Architecture along with the most advanced green technologies will officially open its doors during grand inaugural ceremonies at Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa, on Friday, February 1, at 12:30 p.m.

The Argiro Student Center, a spacious, light-filled $7.5 million, 50,000-square-foot building, which faces east to “capture the nourishing rays of the rising sun for greatest benefit to the occupants,” features two dining halls, a banquet room, café, lounge, 300-seat auditorium, bookstore, mailroom, and offices for student-related activities. The building also includes a chandeliered entry lobby with vaulted ceilings almost three stories high, as well as a large, stained glass window.

In addition to being constructed according to principles of Maharishi Vedic Architecture—architecture in harmony with Natural Law—the Argiro Student Center also incorporates a range of environmentally friendly features that will qualify it for LEED certification.

“This building is an important part of the University’s commitment to be more environmentally friendly, and to bring our buildings in accord with Natural Law on all levels,” said Dr. Streid, the University’s Chief Administrative Officer.

The Student Center is named for Dr. Vincent and Dr. Maggie Argiro, University trustees and principal donors to the building. “We are delighted to contribute to this great accomplishment of the University community,” Dr. Maggie Argiro said. “The building is the stuff of dreams—dreams fulfilled, dreams in progress, dreams yet to be born within its life-giving walls.”

Featured speakers at the inauguration include Dr. Bevan Morris, President of Maharishi International University (videoconference); Dr. John Hagelin, Raja of Invincible America and Director of the MUM Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy (videoconference); the Hon. Ed Malloy, Mayor of Fairfield; Dr. Vincent and Dr. Maggie Argiro; Dr. Craig Pearson, University Vice President; and Mariam Doudi, President of Global Student Council.

ARGIRO STUDENT CENTER

Unique Vedic Architectural Design Elements
to Promote Life in Harmony with Natural Law

Right Orientation: According to Maharishi Vedic Architecture, orientation of a building has a dramatic and easily measured impact upon the quality of life of its occupants. The sun’s energy is most nourishing when it is rising. The Argiro Student Center is oriented to the east to bring the greatest benefits to the health and the vitality of its occupants.

Right Placement of Rooms: Because the sun has different qualities of energy as it moves across the sky, the Argiro Student Center is designed so that these energies correspond to the specific activities performed within the different rooms of the building, e.g., dining, studying, socializing etc.

Right Proportion: Proportion is a key to successful design in nature. Right proportion in the Argiro Student Center connects the individual intelligence of the occupants to cosmic intelligence.

Natural, Non-Toxic Materials and Solar Energy: Vedic architecture promotes natural and non-toxic construction materials. It also emphasizes filling rooms with sunlight and fresh air.

Green Design Elements to Qualify for LEED Certification

Energy Efficiency: Energy savings in the Argiro Student Center come from heat exchangers, which capture 80% of the heat from the air that is being exhausted from the building and use it to help heat the incoming fresh air.

Daylighting: Large, triangular windows cast light deep into the Argiro Student Center on the two upper floors. Daylighting sensors automatically turn off the lights when enough daylight is present. The building’s cupola also helps reflect light into the atrium area.

Insulation: The Argiro Student Center is insulated 50% better than average. The heating and cooling systems also have a higher-than-normal efficiency.

Nontoxic Materials: The Argiro Student Center is constructed with nontoxic materials, including over 13, 000 square feet of bamboo flooring. Carpeting is green certified, and the flooring in the serving areas is Marmoleum, which is a natural linoleum made with 100% natural ingredients: linseed oil, cork, limestone, tree rosin, and natural minerals.

Dr. Vincent Argiro received his B.A. at Yale and his Ph.D. in neural sciences from Washington University. He joined Maharishi International University faculty in 1986 to teach neuroscience, cell biology, and developmental biology and to conduct research. Under federal and state grants, Dr. Argiro developed 3D imaging software to facilitate research on brain development. In 1988, he founded Vital Images, Inc., and eventually shifted his full-time focus to the company before retiring in 2006. The company is now public (NASDAQ:VTAL), employs over 300 people, and is a major supplier of 3D visualization and analysis software to the medical industry, including use in conjunction with CT, MR, and PET image data, for diagnosis and treatment planning. In 2005 Dr. Argiro won an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Dr. Maggie Argiro earned her M.A. in Professional Writing at Maharishi International University and worked for Vital Images for a number of years as director of marketing communications. Dr. Argiro returned as part-time faculty at Maharishi International University, teaching professional writing, and in 2002, she earned her Doctor of World Peace.