New University of Toronto Building With Lovely Contrasts

(rendering by bloomimages, courtesy of Diller Scofidio + Renfro)

A new building planned for the University of Toronto campus will harmonize new architecture with old and provide a space to be shared between several academic disciplines as well as between the university and the wider community.

The building at 90 Queens Park Crescent features a bold design with one side of the façade “eroded” to reflect the lines of the historic Falconer Hall, a building dating back to the 1900s. Its architects, DS+R, say that their design also harmonizes with the adjacent Flavelle House which features a neoclassical façade.

Striking Design Features Emphasize UT’s Community Connection

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Since the building is expected to attract visitors from any given direction, a spacious entry plaza on the Southern side of the building, while the Northern approach features a café and restaurant with outdoor seating in gently terraced gardens.

The recital hall and event space are among the most striking features of the building. They “float” within the erosion, and large windows make the most of views over the city. In the recital hall, a large window behind the stage frames a dramatic view of the city skyline.

A “Campus Within a Campus”

The university calls its new building a “campus within a campus” and it will house disciplines as diverse as law and the arts, bringing students together in the central, shared spaces that form such a prominent feature of the building.

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Fittingly, the University of Toronto’s unique School of Cities will be among the disciplines with a high-profile presence in this interface between the university and the city. The School of Cities focuses squarely on the problems facing today’s urbanized populations, and the building’s interface with the city will benefit collaboration, research, and outreach initiatives between it and the community that houses it.

 

In Tune with the University’s Commitment to Sustainability

 

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The new building will carry all the hallmarks of an energy-efficient building. The university confirms that American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers’ (ASHRE) efficiency standards will be met and says that the building will consume approximately 40 percent less energy than conventional buildings of a similar size.

 

90 Queens Park Crescent Represents the New Face of Academia

 

Modern academic institutions are discarding the exclusive, rarefied image of the past. Whereas before, exclusivity was the watchword, today’s universities want to be seen as a valuable and active part of their community.

Cross-pollination of ideas extends beyond the interface between institution and community. While departmentalization of study directions makes sense, it’s also good for students to mix with those whose talents and interests have led to other areas of study.

The new building at 90 Queens Park exemplifies this philosophy of inclusiveness with a striking landmark that will become an active and dynamic part of both the university and the city of Toronto itself.

 

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