Master of Architecture 2011

Richard Yiu Cheong Li + Regina Shing

 

 

Site and concept

Situated at the intersection of Yonge and Gould Street, the new learning centre acts as a point of connection between the students of Ryerson with the heart of downtown Toronto. 

 

The new Ryerson Student Learning Centre focuses on the learning environment of the students and the relationship between the new and the existing library. A courtyard parti creates a focused atmosphere and forms a dialogue between two distinct learning environments from the two buildings. 

 

Massing

The massing as per program requirement conceals the existing library. To respect the presence of the existing library, the mass of the learning centre is setback. 

 

2 Learning Environments + Flexible Program

The new Student Learning Centre has a distinct collaborative learning environment (interaction/communication) in contrast to the traditional study environment (book/resources) of the existing library. The bridges connecting the two buildings allow the two different environments to come together. These ‘in-between’ spaces are informal and flexible, acting as transitional and gathering spaces. 

 

Program

By extending the program of the existing library to the new learning centre with their respective floors, users are able to transition between the building more fluidly by creating a stronger relationship between the two. 

 

Collaboration

The static and dynamic panels throughout the building are not only used as sun shading but also used as writing surfaces that encourage collaborations and interactions among the various users of the building. These panels are situated on the south and west facades to provide exposure of students’ work to the public.