Perkins and Will and Ryerson University have recently unveiled the new Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex in downtown Toronto. The 28-story tower will connect students to the vibrancy of the city while also unifying Ryerson’s academic and residential functions.
Perkins and Will’s Toronto and Vancouver studios conceived the project as a vertical campus typology, the first of its kind for Ryerson University. The design adapts Toronto’s prevalent podium-tower model, lifting the building’s volumes to create an active streetscape and continuous public spaces from the ground level to the roof.
The nearly 300,000-sf building is located on the eastern edge of Ryerson’s campus and has become a new gateway into the campus from the east side. The building is clad in white aluminum panels and accented with orange. The orange threads visually represent the public spaces that are woven throughout the building, putting its activities on display.
Four academic departments (Nursing, Midwifery, Nutrition, and Occupational and Public Health) are integrated within the first eight stories. The programs are supported by a variety of new classrooms, teaching kitchens, and labs. A Digital Fabrication lab, visible from the public realm, and flexible research facilities are also included. Residence dorms rise above 18 stories and house up to 330 students.
At pedestrian level a public atrium includes a cafe and spaces to socialize and study, creating new porosity with connections that link the city to the heart of the campus. Large windows help to create a seamless indoor-outdoor transition.
The Complex is also outfitted with machine-learning systems and sustainable technologies, such as a green roof that acts as an urban farm for the ground-floor cafe and a greywater system for faucets, toilets, and showers.
The Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex was designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. It is expected to use 32% less energy and consume 35% less potable water than traditional construction. A metering and monitoring system allows the residence students to view their energy and water consumption online.
The building officially completed in 2019.
Related Stories
Big Data | Jan 5, 2018
In the age of data-driven design, has POE’s time finally come?
At a time when research- and data-based methods are playing a larger role in architecture, there remains a surprisingly scant amount of post-occupancy research. But that’s starting to change.
Mixed-Use | Jan 5, 2018
USC Village is the largest development in the history of the University of Southern California
USC Village comprises six buildings and 1.25 million sf.
Adaptive Reuse | Jan 4, 2018
Student housing development on Chapman University campus includes adaptive reuse of 1918 packing house
The Packing House was originally built for the Santiago Orange Growers Association.
University Buildings | Dec 20, 2017
New residence hall to house 500 students at Duke University
The project was designed by William Rawn Architects and will be built by Skanska.
University Buildings | Dec 5, 2017
UCLA’s Hedrick Study combines a library, lounge, and dining hall
Johnson Favaro designed the space.
University Buildings | Dec 4, 2017
The University of Nebraska’s new College of Business building highlights entrepreneur alumni and corporate leaders
Numerous storytelling spaces and displays are located throughout the building.
Wood | Nov 30, 2017
The first large-scale mass timber residence hall in the U.S. is under construction at the University of Arkansas
Leers Weinzapfel Associates, Modus Studio, Mackey Mitchell Architects, and OLIN collaborated on the design.
University Buildings | Nov 28, 2017
FXFOWLE and CO Architects collaborate on Columbia University School of Nursing building
The building has a ‘collaboration ribbon’ that runs throughout the building.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Nov 27, 2017
The University of Memphis unveils the new home of the men’s basketball program
The Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center will provide a strong commitment to donor and VIP cultivation.
Adaptive Reuse | Nov 10, 2017
Austin’s first indoor shopping mall becomes Austin Community College’s new digital media center
Renovation of the defunct mall represents Phase 2 of ACC’s $100 million adaptive reuse project.
