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The conceptual approach for the new addition design utilizes a general language of transparency, site lines, and view. Floor plans employ open concept organization, and an extensive use of transparent and reflective materials as a means to create legible spaces and to dematerialize the language of the new addition, allowing the existing architecture to be perceived in a clear and respectful manner. The articulation of new architectural elements utilizes a rhythm of vertical bays and horizontal alignments that align and respect those used by dickenson, creating a thoughtful dialogue between old and new structures. Further to this, the lightness of the new architecture acknowledges, and attempts to contemporize, the existing modernist design language.
The surrounding context for this project is the centennial college story arts campus. Our building is a renovation and addition to this notable mid-century modern facility located in Toronto, Canada. The existing building was originally designed by UK born, and toronto based, architect peter dickinson in 1954, while working at page & steele architects in Toronto. By many accounts, dickinson was a force to be reckoned with. in his short lifetime dickinson built an impressive number of buildings in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, while working with page & steele, and later in his own firm, dickinson associates. This project analyzes the existing modernist architecture and attempts to enter into a thoughtful design dialogue between old an new structures.
Sustainable intiatives for this project include: new energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems; use of occupant sensors throughout; integrated daylight harvesting to reduce electrical demand; all electric systems; high performance glazing to increase daylighting throughout the building; custom ceramic frit patterns on glazing to reduce glare and solar radiation; extensive new plantings; use of recylced content; use of low v.o.c. materials throughout; use of white tpo roof membrane to reduce the urban heat island effect; and use of locally available materials.
The centennial college story arts campus library project is a renovation and addition to an existing academic library in the Toronto, Canada. This campus is home to the school of communications, media, arts and design. The scope of the project was to provide design services for a complete interior renovation to the library, in parallel with the re-shaping and rebuilding of an existing building addition. The project aspires to transform this existing facility into a vibrant and contemporary academic library. The newly renovated space will house existing and new program elements including: a reading atrium; general collections; a maker space/vr studio, study rooms, computer lab/media screening room and exhibition space along the full length of the internal corridor facade of the library.
The client for this project is centennial college, a major post secondary institution located in Toronto, Canada. Centennial college has a large academic campus located along Highway 401 at the edge of the city proper. However, the story arts facility is a small satellite campus dedicated to providing a more intimate environment for students of art and design. This small campus was designed in the 1950s and provides a design context embedded with the progressive ideals of the modernist era.
RDHA is a Toronto-based studio specializing in architecture for the public realm. Originally founded in 1919, the firm has a wide-ranging body of work, encompassing libraries and cultural buildings, community and recreation facilities, operations centres, transit facilities, post-secondary education facilities, secure buildings, corporate and institutional office buildings, and additions and renovations to heritage structures. In the past ten years RDHA has focused on producing intelligent, concept driven architecture of the highest caliber. The firm now feels and acts like an emerging design studio, while our 100-year legacy provides a solid backbone of technical and managerial experience. Consequently, we have re-emerged as one of Canada's most acclaimed design firms, winning more than 70 major provincial, national and international awards.
