Osgoode Hall Law School - Ignat Kaneff Building
York University - Diamond Schmitt Architects
The Osgoode Hall retrofit and program reorganization was a unique opportunity to address growing student body and the pressure it was placing on the York University law faculty facility. The design of the pre-renovation building lacked clear and accessible wayfinding, in addition to its closed brutalist architecture, which were addressed by a redesign of the internal circulation around a new atrium space. The atrium was designed to bring much needed natural light into the existing building library and offices, and it was also connected with a new 23,000 sq.ft single story addition. The completed building, re-opened in 2012, allowed for both an expansion of the facility, as well as an opportunity to redistribute program around a new central spine.
Project Role: Designer
Location: Toronto, Canada
Client: York University
Highlights
- Atrium and building addition
- 23,000 sq.ft addition
- Atrium addition to existing building with continuous skylight roof
- Exposed steel connection details
- Open collaboration and study areas
- Functions as a lightwell for existing building elements
- Major reorganization of internal office and classroom circulation
- 215,000 sq.ft of program and circulation area
- Retrofit of existing hall, with improvements to skylights and finishes
