Photo Courtesy / Jessica Lee

One of the most dynamic things about the UTSC campus is its own unique physical structure. In a world where concrete jungles are rapidly replacing natural ones, the campus’ delicate infusion with the lush forests of the Rouge Valley is one of its most admirable traits. This hybridity provides the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds – the beauty of nature and the majesty of modern architecture.

Admirers usually note the unique designs and originality of UTSC’s buildings. Yet unbeknownst to many, some of these buildings have been recognized for their innovative designs and novel functionality by the wider architectural community. Here is a look at a couple of the more architecturally significant buildings of the UTSC campus:

Humanities and Science Wings: ‘The TV College’

Scarborough College as it was known in its early days was conceived in 1963 as one of two extensions to the University of Toronto. From the start, innovation was at the heart of the project. At the time, this meant television. Closed circuit television (CCTV) was already being experimented with at the downtown campus and was meant to make it easier for professors to reach out to more students.  According to Time magazine in 1967, “the college was literally built around its TV facilities.”

In the summer of 1963, Australian architect John Andrews, (better known for designing the CN Tower), was brought in to design the college which was to be ready by the summer of 1965. Keeping in mind the idea of connecting people through technology, Andrews was inspired to physically connect departments as well. He wanted to encourage inter-departmental mingling by linking them all in one mega-structure.

Photo Courtesy / Jessica Lee

Openness was emphasized by the spacious hallways, mimicking the look of streets which all met at a main intersection, the Meeting Place. Students could walk through these “inner streets” without ever having to go outside, especially in winter.

Meanwhile, from the outside the building was an imposing concrete giant nestled on the ridge of Highland Creek. Andrews meant for the building to be a symbol of architectural modernism of the times while still working into its natural environment.

However, he himself has admitted that, striking as it is, the concrete was mainly used because it was easy to work with, helping the building to reach completion in two short years. Indeed, the design of the college far outweighed the medium in which it was built, with function much more highly valued than construction methods.

Today, these buildings constitute what we know as the H and S wings. Even though the campus has expanded tremendously, these two remain the original architectural landmarks of UTSC.

Keeping it Green: Student Space

Photo Courtesy / Jessica Lee

The Student Centre was proposed in 2001 based on the need for greater student space; it was completed in 2005.  Designed to replicate the openness of the original Scarborough College, the designers went for a softer feel. This was done by replacing concrete with glass panelling allowing a lot more light into the building. Moreover, the transparency of the building made it blend right into the campus rather than impose. This new building would usher in 21st century modernist architecture to replace the now out-dated 1960s style.

A further extension of 21st century thinking, the Student Centre was designed to be environmentally friendly as well as modern. The building was built to make sure water and electricity consumption were minimized. In addition, the construction process itself emphasized “green” procedures. 18 tons of steel from the demolished gallery at the Royal Ontario Museum were used to help construct the Student Centre. This usage saved carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to driving around the world 16 times! The work was enough to win the architectural company who designed the building the Green Design Award from the City of Toronto, among others.

Towards the Future: Expanding North Campus

The new Instructional Centre set to be opened next year continues the ideas of innovation first started by Andrews in 1963. In fact, it will be the largest building on campus since the original structure, creating 25 per cent more space on campus. The building is intended to house the management and co-op offices, along with seven lecture halls and a new computer lab. There is also talk of a stop for the proposed Light-Rail Rapid Transit, creating connection between the campus and the rest of Toronto.

The architects have also kept in mind the concept of openness central to architecture on campus again maintained by the usage of glass. The best examples of this technique will be the four-storey atrium at the entrance and the glass walkways that will connect the two wings, one for faculty offices and the other for students. Again these connective walkways will also keep in the tradition of bringing together specified spaces to better communication. Furthermore, a three-storey art piece will be featured in the atrium, recalling UTSC’s connection to modern art first established through the Doris McCarthy Gallery.

Finally, in keeping with the theme of the Student Centre, the Instructional Centre will also keep with Silver LEED environmental standards. This is probably best exemplified by the solar panels that will cover the majority of the building. Like the buildings before it, the Instructional Centre will reinforce UTSC’s innovative architectural path, again expanding our ‘little city’ out to new horizons.