Ryerson University has revealed the design for the new Centre for Urban Innovation (CUI), a research, incubation and commercialization hub focused on solutions to urban infrastructure issues.
The 40,000 square foot facility is being designed by Moriyama & Teshima Architects, an internationally-acclaimed architectural firm, to provide research and fabrication space for faculty and students conducting research on alternative energy, water management, infrastructure, transportation, logistics, food production and data analytics.
“The striking design of the Centre for Urban Innovation preserves the building’s rich history while transforming it into a modern state-of-the-art research facility,” said Mohamed Lachemi, Ryerson president and vice-chancellor, in a press release. “We are grateful for the investments from the provincial and federal governments, which will create new spaces and opportunities for Ryerson researchers to collaborate on finding solutions to critical urban issues.”
The first school of pharmacy in Canada originally sat on the CUI site following its construction in 1886. In 1963, Ryerson acquired the heritage site which housed the university’s department of architectural technology program. Moriyama & Teshima Architects’ design preserves the original three-storey historic building, adding two additions with green roofs. Open spaces will join the old heritage building to the new purpose-built facilities. The major spaces within the building will be retained, including the original 19th century lecture hall. The project has been designed to meet LEED Silver standards, adaptively reusing the existing building and reducing the construction footprint.
“The materiality and details for the building and its interiors are meant to convey a light touch that draws from the innovative nature of the Centre,” added Carol Phillips, lead architect at the firm. “The new additions will be distinguished by metal elements, glass and wood to express the aspirations of the program: efficiency, clarity and lightness in our use of energy and resources for sustainability and health.”
Construction of the Centre for Urban Innovation was made possible by a $19.8-million investment from the federal government. The building is set to open in September 2018.
