York University in Toronto is constructing a twisted building to house its School of Continuing Studies. Due to increasing demand for innovative professional certificate programs, the new School for Continuing Studies building at York University will become a central hub for the School's student population and support services. (The rendering above is courtesy of CNW Group/York University School of Continuing Studies).
Now Toronto states that due to the COVID-19 physical distancing measures, the school is taking a non-traditional approach to the construction groundbreaking by inviting people to visit a virtual groundbreaking webpage at continue.yorku.ca.
Since 2015, the School's professional programming has grown immensely. It started with only four certificate programs. The school's portfolio now includes 24 programs in emerging, in-demand technical and business fields.
The new building will allow expanded access to the English-language university pathways that support international students and new Canadians. The building is a crucial step for the school to continue to grow its unique program offerings and York's international reputation.
The building will consist of the following:
- 97,000 square feet
- Over 50 classrooms
- Space for 150 staff and instructors
- Rotation of the ground floor will create space for a generous arrival plaza at the main entry
- Sheltered drop off and pick up area
The York University website states that a standout feature of the design is the high-performance prismatic facade which will be composed of photovoltaic panels and glazed openings to bring natural light into the building.
The building design explores the potential for Net-Zero Energy and Net-Zero Carbon. Strategies include a building envelope that is designed using Passive House standards, heat recovery ventilation and integrated photovoltaics to generate electricity on site.
Currently students attend classes at various locations all throughout the campus and the staff is spread across four different buildings.
