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M A R C H 2 0 2 2 | 73 School of Continuing Studies - York University R EN D ER I N GS CO U RT E S Y YO R K U N I V ER S I T Y SCHOOL OF CONTINUING STUDIES – YORK UNIVERSITY by ROBIN BRUNET T he York University School of Continuing Studies is a rare project in that the actual build- ing is even more impressive than its marketing images – and the images themselves are remarkable, depict- ing a twisting, rectangular form that seems poised to soar skyward. Tracey Taylor-O'Reilly, assistant VP, continuing studies at York University, says, "When I saw the building in per- son my jaw dropped. It is stunning and sleek, forward-looking, and most importantly a fantastic new home for our professional certificate programs and English Language Institute." Prior to the project, the School of Continuing Studies was scattered throughout the campus. "We began planning for a dedicated structure about eight years ago with York's in- house architects, but it was never our intention for our facility to con- tain six storeys," Taylor-O'Reilly says. "However, in a five year period our professional certificate programs grew by over 1,000 percent, and that caused us to think bigger." She adds that the intersection of The Pond Road and Ian MacDonald Boulevard was chosen as the location because of its accessibility: it is adjacent to a parking garage to the north, student residences and restau- rants to the south, and a few minutes walk from a subway station. In 2017, York launched an interna- tional design competition, expressing the need for a structure to reflect the school's identity and culture, define a campus gateway, and meet ambi- tious sustainability targets. "The submissions were radically different, and we chose Perkins&Will because their vision was unique, plus they understood our needs and had great energy," Taylor-O'Reilly says. Thanks to the efficiency as well as creativity of the architects, the rota- tion of the ground floor creates space for a generous arrival plaza at the main entry as well as a sheltered drop off and pick up area. The ground floor spaces are open and dedicated to student engagement as well as events animat- ing the streets and pedestrian realm. Also, terraced gardens at the build- ing perimeter reveal large expanses of glazing that bring natural light deep into the lower level classrooms and lounge space. Internally, the building provides a suite of highly flexible learning envi- ronments plus a series of lofty, bright spaces that support the school's cul- ture and identity. Abundant daylight, transparency, and interconnected spaces between floors encourage students to interact and allow the building to function as a home for events and celebrations. The project is targeting LEED Gold certification, and the design explored the potential for net-zero energy and net-zero carbon initiatives. Through a series of passive and active strategies the project reduces its overall onsite energy consumption. Aquicon Construction broke ground on the site in March of 2020, and the advent of the pan- demic caused a temporary shutdown of activity. Upon resumption, the now-familiar measures to mitigate infection spread were taken. "The pandemic had an effect on the proj- ect in that we adjusted the design to accommodate the installation of auto- matic doors, touchless fixtures, and other elements," Taylor-O'Reilly says. This is in addition to oversize class- rooms, and air exchangers combined with heat recovery vents that con- stantly circulate 100 percent fresh air throughout the entire facility. By February of 2021 the build- ing's steel-frame was approaching completion, concrete floor slabs were being poured on top of the metal decking, and installation of the dis- tinctive geometric skin had begun, with the tessellated, triangular pat- tern of metal panels and windows extending as high as the roof para- pet in some areas. When finished, levels 1 through 4 will primarily contain classroom spaces, and the upper floor will be split between staff and instructor workspaces, meet- ing spaces, and a staff lounge. Complementing Taylor-O'Reilly's enthusiasm for the new School of Continuing Studies building is Rhonda L. Lenton, the universi- ty's president and vice-chancellor, who states, "This new, standalone home for our School of Continuing Studies demonstrates York's com- mitment to serving the current and future needs of learners and employ- ers, here at home and around the world, as they rise to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the demands of a dynamic global knowl- edge economy." A LOCATION 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario OWNER /DEVELOPER York University ARCHITECT Perkins&Will GENER AL CONTR ACTOR Aquicon Construction STRUCTUR AL CONSULTANT Entuitive MECHANICAL /ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT Smith + Andersen L ANDSCAPE ARCHITECT DTAH TOTAL SIZE 97,000 square feet TOTAL COST $73 million

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