Award

56 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4 P H OTO G R A P H Y BY AWA R D Markham Centre Campus – York University and enhanced accessibility features create a welcoming environment. Prioritizing sustainability, the design maximizes natural light and open spaces. The main building's four levels feature green roofs visible from higher floors, while interiors utilize low-emitting, sustainable materials, including low-mercury lighting and high-performance window glazing. Sustainable practices are evident in the use of Forest Stewardship Council- certified wood, salvaged materials, and natural stone throughout the con- struction. The campus is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. Accessibility is a cornerstone of the design philosophy, featuring induc- tion hearing loops, tactile warning strips, and universal washrooms on every floor. The transparent and open design fosters a sense of community, linking multi-storey spaces to the sloping Campus Green, an informal gathering area that promotes social interaction and Indigenous learning. Bird Construction began work on the Markham Centre Campus in July 2020, with significant contributions from the City of Markham and York Region. BIM was integrated as a key component of the construction pro- cess, using visualizations to illustrate the building's development at each stage of the project. The campus welcomed its first cohort of students on September 4, 2024, and held its first Community Open House on November 16. As of October, over 400 students were enrolled, with opportunities for stu- dents from York's Keele Campus to attend classes at this new location. The opening of the MCC marks a pivotal moment for York University and the City of Markham, laying the foundation for innovative edu- cational practices while reinforcing the region's status as a hub for tech- nology and entrepreneurship. As Mayor Frank Scarpitti noted, "The York University Markham Campus fits perfectly with the vision we have for Markham Centre; building on Markham's highly skilled, highly edu- cated, and diverse workforce. This will strengthen our position as a hub for innovation while driving the prosper- ity of the Province, York Region, and the City of Markham." The Markham Centre Campus signifies a transformative approach to education and community devel- opment, paving the way for future generations to thrive in a vibrant, inter- connected learning environment. A Applied Electronics provides media integration services, audio visual, and media production technology solutions for teams to communicate, collaborate, produce, and share broadcast quality content with audiences across all media. Applied Electronics is Canada's leading media technology integrator. WE ARE PROUD TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS OF YORK UNIVERSITY AND THE MARKHAM CENTRE CAMPUS PROJECT. AppliedElectronics.com

• Cover