Centennial College’s Ashtonbee Campus, one of Canada’s largest transportation technology schools, required a campus renewal to accommodate their growing student population and bring new identity and vitality to its 1970s site. The design approach forms a literal and figurative ‘bridge’ over the entry court. A material palette of stainless steel and fritted glass create a legible system of solid and void allowing for daylight and unique views to the community. This kaleidoscopic campus gateway engages the pedestrian and vehicular traffic in a kinetic experience. The result is expressive of the unique automotive culture on campus.

Jury Comments

This was a bold and simple scheme showing both toughness and austerity. The project also anticipates and projects the future urbanism of the setting and suggests a new precinct that may evolve in the future as adjacent shopping plazas, located on an LRT line, are redeveloped. It helps put Centennial “on the map”!

The jury appreciated its “sincere, big building elegance” and how it addressed the car-dominated surroundings. They also liked how underside of the building was clad in stainless steel, an unusual and very successful articulation of an unusual condition.

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Publish Date : 2022/Jul/12