York University School of Continuing Studies

Perkins&Will

York University’s existing School of Continuing Studies was located across the campus in a number of temporary locations—a critical shortcoming for the faculty’s students. In response, York articulated the need for a dedicated structure to assert the school’s identity and culture, define a campus gateway, and meet ambitious sustainability goals. The bold twisting form shapes a new pedestrian plaza and accommodates highly flexible learning environments, social and collaboration spaces, and offices for students and faculty. The project brings the programs together into a single home with lofty, bright spaces that promote community, culture, and identity for the faculty’s students and staff. At the core of the project are the goals of reducing embodied carbon through an intelligent use of materials and improving occupant health. The low energy design anticipates a campus-wide switch to renewable energy generation, and targets LEED Gold certifications. Passive design strategies combined with highly efficient HVAC and energy systems, direct outdoor air ventilation, and active chilled beams throughout reduce energy loads, while introducing fresh air to support occupant health and learning outcomes. The building’s dynamic form is generated through a simple geometric logic, with rectangular floor plates rotated around a common centroid, introducing a two-way curve into the north and south facades. Through this simple twisting gesture, the brief of creating a striking new home for the School of Continuing Studies, which promotes the combined agendas of energy efficiency, occupant well-being, and campus building, is accomplished.