This project is the strategic and surgical revitalization of University College—an iconic landmark and one of the oldest buildings at the University of Toronto. The keystone of the project is the re-introduction of the University College Library into the two historic Great Halls located on the second level of the building, where the library had originally existed prior to the fire of 1890. This was a project with many design mandates, but most significantly, the design addresses the building’s history as inaccessible. The project dismantles the legacy of physical barriers by celebrating the architectural insertions that achieve it.

Jury Comments

“This adaptive reuse project is thoughtful, barrier-free and beautiful. It deftly and elegantly deals with the constraints of a heritage building, construction budget, and a challenging site. There is joy in it!”

Check out our BLOAAg article for more information.

Publish Date : 2022/Jul/13