Location: Toronto, Ontario

Architecture Practices: DIALOG Ontario Inc. in collaboration with Smoke Architecture Inc. 

 

Centennial College A-Building Expansion marks a significant milestone in architectural excellence, uniting Indigenous ways of being and teaching, sustainability, and innovation. As Canada’s first LEED Gold, zero carbon, WELL-certified, mass timber, high-education facility, it sets a new standard for academic learning environments. Embracing the Mi’kmaq concept of “Two-Eyed Seeing,” the design seamlessly blends Indigenous and Western perspectives. The building showcases sustainably harvested mass timber, a parametrically designed building skin, and culturally inclusive spaces. This transformative building redefines educational settings, enhancing learning experiences, encouraging collaboration, and fostering a sense of campus connection.

Jury Comments

“The mandate of Truth & Reconciliation is woven throughout every aspect of this building, from its cladding to its integrated artwork. It feels clear that Indigeneity was integral throughout the design, rather than added on as an afterthought. The architects also took on the challenge of deploying mass timber to create well-used student study and gathering areas and long, column-free spans of classroom spaces.”

 

Check out our BLOAAg article for more information.

Publish Date : 2024/Jun/21