Agency: Perkins&Will
Client: York University
The York University School of Continuing Studies stands as a new beacon on the university's campus, providing a centralized hub for faculty and students who often commute during evenings and weekends. Selected through an international design competition, the building's innovative design features a bold, twisting form that defines the campus's southern edge, creating a new pedestrian plaza and campus gateway. Internally, the building offers flexible learning environments and bright communal spaces that reflect the school's culture and identity. The project addresses York University's need for a dedicated home for its School of Continuing Studies, consolidating programs previously scattered across campus. The building's design responds to various modes of arrival, creating distinct entrances and a welcoming plaza. Its twisting form not only serves as a campus landmark but also optimizes sun exposure throughout the day. With an emphasis on energy reduction, the building incorporates high-performance materials and strategies to reduce embodied carbon and improve occupant health. It aims for LEED Gold certification and features wellness amenities such as a lactation room and prayer space. The building's ground floor is strategically designed to accommodate arrival plazas, drop-off areas, and terraced gardens, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Internally, the architecture focuses on three key elements: the building skin, the structural frame, and programmatic containers, all contributing to a rational and adaptable interior space. 1. Building Skin ― A high-performance unitized curtain wall creates a continuous, taut, and efficient building skin that maximizes views while reducing energy use to approximately 100kWh/m2a. Triangular openings allow seamless panelization and expansive eye-level transparency. 2. Steel Frame ― The building twists to create two new plazas on a tight campus site. Perimeter columns change angle along the length of the building, while inner columns are plumb, reducing steel weight. 3. Interior Planning ― Program blocks are treated as interior pavilions, while student study and lounge space occupy the perimeter of the plan. These dynamic spaces offer a range of bright and distinctive environments for study and socialization. 4. Cores ― Low-carbon concrete cores efficiently brace the building’s twisted form. 5. Campus Room ― At grade and below, the building is an extension of the campus, with openings that bring daylight to all levels. 6. Gateway Plaza ― The building’s twisting form creates a new gateway plaza that connects to the campus’s evolving transit network. 7. Systems ― Direct outdoor air ventilation and active chilled beams throughout the building reduce energy use while maximizing fresh air, supporting occupant health and learning outcomes. A future PV array will support 100% of the building’s energy needs. Overall, the York University School of Continuing Studies is not just a building but a vibrant hub that fosters community, supports learning, and contributes to the university's identity and sustainability goals.
