The 6ix is about to get a new cultural hub thanks to the University of Toronto.
A nine-storey building designed by world-renowned architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro — known for designing New York City’s Lincoln Center — is expected to be built on St. George campus at 90 Queen’s Park.
The building is meant to be a “hub for urban and cultural engagement,” which means it won’t just be a place for students, but a place for the public, too.
“This stunning architectural landmark will provide the University of Toronto with an invaluable opportunity to create a meeting space for scholars and the wider city around us,” said University of Toronto President Meric Gertler. “It also gives the School of Cities a permanent home for its urban-focused research, educational and outreach initiatives.”
READ: The University Of Toronto Reveals Plans For A New Planetarium
The structure will house facilities for the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Music. It will also be home to the Institute of Islamic Studies, part of the Anne Tanenbaum Centre for Jewish Studies, and the Archaeology Centre.
But what makes the building truly unique is that it’s expected to have a magnificent south-facing skyline view of the city from its 400-seat event space and music recital hall.
Diller Scofidio + Renfro
The centre will also include lounge and study spaces, meeting rooms, and will have a cafe on its ground level.
U of T couldn’t have picked a better location for its newest addition. Situated at the intersection of Bloor Street and Queen’s Park, the building will replace McLaughlin Planetarium, which closed in 1995. The new landmark will incorporate the university’s Falconer Hall law building, which was constructed in 1901, and will sit right next to the Royal Ontario Museum.
“It will be a building that brings a diverse grouping of folks together to advance knowledge around cities and how they can work successfully, contributing to a positive impact here in the city but also more globally,” said Scott Mabury, the university's vice-president of operations and real estate partnerships.
U of T has not yet announced a date for the building, but its groundbreaking date is 2020, according to Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s website.
