Centennial College, Ashtonbee Campus Renewal

Scarborough, Ontario

Student Commons, Library, Bookstore, Student Lounge, Billiards and Games Room, School of Transportation (Truck and Coach Lab, Automotive Labs), Learning Centre (Study Spaces, Computer Labs, Technology Studios, Adaptive Technology Stations), Gymnasium, Fitness Centre
Structural: Blackwell
Mechanical / Electrical: Smith + Andersen
Civil: EMC
Landscape: PMA
2017 Ontario Association of Architects (OAA): Design Excellence Award
2016 Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia: Award in Architecture (Merit Award)
2016 Ontario Library Association (OLA): New Library Award
2015 Society for College & University Planning (SCUP): SCUP/AIA-CAE Excellence in Architecture Honorable Mention
2015 American School & University Architectural Portfolio Award: Special Citation
2015 Toronto Urban Design Award
2015 Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO): Merit Award
2015 CICS Regional Steel Design: Merit Award (Architecture)

This 100,000 sf revitalization brings a new identity and vitality to Centennial College’s Ashtonbee campus, home to community and health studies programs, as well as one of Canada’s largest transportation technology schools. With a design determined through extensive consultation with the Student Association and over 20 interest holder groups, this ambitious modernization delivers a new and improved campus experience for students, faculty, and staff.

The campus suffered with issues of safety and accessibility, aging infrastructure and buildings, and a lack of programs supporting student life and activity. MJMA’s planning redesign creates a more functional, welcoming, and connected environment. It resolves access issues and allows for the ready integration of future campus developments. The Student Centre and Library that connects to the refurbished automotive and technical labs, serves as the new bold and welcoming face of the renewed campus.

Situated in a suburban neighbourhood comprised of residential, commercial, and light industrial fabric, the campus was previously dominated by a large and meandering 1970s brown-brick structure that was virtually unreadable from the nearest road. The renewal’s planning and the new two-level Student Centre provide a gateway that gives the campus much needed pedestrian realms and a bold identity.

before

The gateway building emblematizes the renewed campus as a ‘bridge’ — one that creates connections between existing spaces and between present and future development.

A reduced and bold palette of materials creates a memorable arrival and public identity. Stainless-steel panels (inspired by the sensuous chrome engines fashioned in the school) are tapered with variations, creating dynamically shifting colours and reflections.

The Student Centre and Library have become the social focus of the campus. Since opening, library visits have roughly tripled in the new space and the building has been enthusiastically received by students, faculty, and staff for its light, comfort, and diversity of spaces.