Client

York University

Building Size

38,245 sq.m / 411,657 sq.ft (Phase 1 & 2)

5 Storeys

Location

Toronto, ON

The project Design Team was selected by York University in a three-stage international architectural competition that included competing teams from across North America, Europe, and Asia.  The team was led by ZAS Architects + Interiors, working in collaboration with Arup Engineering & Scott Torrance Landscape Architects.  The synergies and creativity of this multi-disciplinary team have been fully realized in the design vision for the building and the technical development of it. The concept design for the Bergeron Centre is fully rooted in the academic mission of the school and translated into a design that is bold, original and iconic.  With a University mandate to create a world-class facility, the building was conceptualized as one that is rooted like a “Rock” in the landscape of the campus and yet limitless like a “Cloud”.  Those metaphors were instrumental in the development of the building’s architecture and have subsequently been adopted by the school’s faculty and students when describing it.  Particularly notable is the unique façade of the Cloud panels on the upper levels of the building where a scale-less aesthetic of tessellated glass and aluminum panels will be like any other on campus.  It’s shimmering pattern of materials and reflectivity will always be changing, much like the students work that will be created within it. 

The Centre contains 15,700 m2 of floor space on 5 levels rising from the campus to create a “landscape of learning”.  Containing learning spaces for civil, mechanical and electrical engineering programs, the new building contains a variety of teaching and research labs, workshops, collaborative classrooms, studio spaces and social areas for students and faculty. Rooted at the lower levels of the building is the civil engineering program, with the electrical and mechanical engineering departments at the building’s upper levels.  The entrance level to the school contains most of the Student Service functions while Administration for the faculty occupies a mid-level location in the building ensuring accessibility and engagement with the school’s faculty and students. This sustainably designed development is LEED Gold certified and occupies an important south-west position on the York University campus.  Its location creates unobstructed and panoramic views towards the City of Toronto central business district and by extension perhaps an even greater emphasis on global citizenship and entrepreneurial leadership.