Location: Toronto, ON
Architects: Executive Architect: Zeidler Partnership Architects; Design: Snøhetta
Date of Completion: 2015
OAA Design Excellence Awards Finalist
Ryerson University mandated the lack of gathering and studying space for students in its downtown campus be addressed. Zeidler Partnership Architects worked with international architects Snøhetta to bring complete building services to the university. The new Student Learning Centre (SLC) spans eight floors with a connecting bridge to the library on a prominent location on downtown Yonge Street.
Site plan
Drawing Credit: Zeidler Partnership Architects
Floor plans
Drawing Credit: Zeidler Partnership Architects
Floor plans
Drawing Credit: Zeidler Partnership Architects
North-South section
Drawing Credit: Zeidler Partnership Architects
The architects drew inspiration from the ancient gathering spaces of the Greek stoas and agoras where learning was social. The eight uniquely designed floors give students a generous amount of space to meet, study and exchange ideas. With its diverse programming and flexible spaces, SLC now encourages its commuter students to stay on campus longer; this increases campus engagement and exchange between disciplines.
The main entrance and second level is called The Valley.
Photo Credit: Lorne Bridgman
Level 6, The Beach, is a popular place for students to gather, study, and relax between classes.
Photo Credit: Lorne Bridgman
Level 4, The Garden, features flexible seating and closed office and teaching space.
Photo Credit: Lorne Bridgman
Ryerson University made a commitment to achieve minimum Silver certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program for all new construction and major building renovations. The team found ways to improve the Silver scorecard requirements and succeeded in delivering a building that went beyond the original target by achieving LEED Gold.
Level 5, The Sun, features private carrels for quiet study.
Photo Credit: Lorne Bridgman
The south facing entrance unfolds and opens onto the street.
Photo Credit: doublespace photography
Fritted glass façade.
Photo Credit: Lorne Bridgman
The university showed its investment in shaping the surrounding neighbourhood by making the building open to public; the suggestion is in the very shape of the entranceway and the plaza inviting the community up to the building. The public building has become a landmark with digitally connected spaces for its students to prove a rich learning experience goes beyond the classroom.