York School of Continuing Studies, Perkins&Will

Project: York School of Continuing Studies
Award: Publicly Accessible Interiors - Education, 2024
Location: ​​Toronto, Canada
Design Practice: Perkins&Will
Client: York University

The York University School of Continuing Studies stands as a new beacon on the university's campus, providing a centralised hub for faculty and students who often commute during evenings and weekends.

Selected through an international design competition, Perkins&Will’s innovative design features a bold, twisting form that defines the southern edge of the campus, creating a new pedestrian plaza and campus gateway. Internally, the building offers flexible learning environments and bright communal spaces that reflect the school's culture and identity.

The project addresses York University's need for a dedicated home for its School of Continuing Studies, consolidating programs previously scattered across campus. With an emphasis on energy reduction, the building incorporates high-performance materials and strategies to reduce embodied carbon and improve occupant health. It aims for LEED Gold certification and features wellness amenities such as a lactation room and prayer space.

Design highlights

The building's ground floor is strategically designed to accommodate arrival plazas, drop-off areas, and terraced gardens, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. 

A high-performance unitized curtain wall creates a continuous, taut and efficient building skin that maximizes views while reducing energy use. Triangular openings allow seamless panelization and expansive eye-level transparency. Program blocks are treated as interior pavilions, while student study and lounge space occupy the perimeter of the plan. These dynamic spaces offer a range of bright and distinctive environments for study and socialization.

Direct outdoor air ventilation and active chilled beams throughout the building reduce energy use while maximizing fresh air, supporting occupant health and learning outcomes. 

Photo credit: Tom Arban Photography inc.