Upcoming Events

Photo courtesy of Nik Lehoux

Our last Members Only Building Tour of the season will take place on August 10 and will feature the Daniels Building, One Spadina Crescent, University of Toronto – the new home of the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design – by NADAAA and Adamson Associates Architects. Use your members only promo code (mailed in the August e-bulletin) to purchase your ticket!

Please note that this is a members only event. Registration link will be sent in the August  TSA e-Bulletin. 

Not a member? Join today for access to exclusive events and discounts

Project Description

In 2009, the University of Toronto’s Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design (DFALD) launched a competition to transform their existing building into a framework more relevant to their teachings and aspirations. By 2011 it was clear that the appropriate step would be relocating to a landmark position in the city, One Spadina Crescent, thus launching a two-phased approach to renovate and expand the iconic structure formerly known as Knox College.

The master plan for this 19th century site was developed through the analysis of anticipated use patterns and site ecology, with an eye toward re-positioning the southwest corner of campus on-axis with the Lake, and creating a new identity for the Faculty. DFALD required a new working prototype of sustainability, to accommodate a program of studio space, fabrication workshops, classrooms, offices, library, cafe, exhibition space, auditorium, and state of the art ‘urban theater’. Located on a busy urban artery, and circumscribed by a streetcar line, the circular site is an island amidst layers of urban activity.

Perhaps the great challenge of maintaining the Gothic heritage building has been the project’s greatest opportunity; the spires and edges of the historic Spadina Crescent create the ideal foil for a contemporary box with a deep floor plate requiring natural lighting. The folds of the roof aim to capture daylight, while the walls judiciously use glass to maximize views North, up Spadina Avenue. Folds in the landscape, conceived in anticipation of future pavilions, provide opportunities for seating, bike storage, and micro-environments.

The building will open to students this Fall.

Tour Guides

Katherine Faulkner, President and Founding Principal, NADAAA
Claudina Sula, Partner, Adamson Associates Architects

Project Team

NADAAA: Principals: Katherine Faulkner, AIA, OAA; Nader Tehrani; Design Team: Richard Lee, Tom Beresford, John Houser, Amin Tadj, Tim Wong, Alda Black, Marta Guerra, Animations, James Juricevich, Parke Macdowell, Dane Asmussen, Laura Williams, Peter Sprowls, Noora Al Musallam, Tammy Teng, Wesley Hiatt, John Mars, Mazyar Kahali

Associated Architect: Adamson Associates Architects

Consultants:
Heritage Consultant: ERA Architects
Structural: Entuitive Corporation
Building Envelope consultant: Entuitive Corporation
Electrical / Data / AV / Lighting design: Mulvey Banani International, Inc.
Mechanical / Plumbing: The Mitchell Partnership
Acoustics: Aercoustics Engineering Ltd
Civil: A. M. Candaras Associates, Inc.
Landscape: Public Work
Hardware: Upper Canada Specialty Hardware, Ltd.
Construction Manager: Eastern Construction Company Ltd