Department of Economics Toronto: Max Gluskin House

Max Gluskin House, Toronto University Building, Architect, Canadian Architecture, Property

Department of Economics Toronto

Max Gluskin House, University of Toronto design by Hariri Pontarini Architects, Ontario, Canada

20 May 2010

Department of Economics at the University of Toronto

Design: Hariri Pontarini Architects

Department of Economics Toronto - Max Gluskin House
photo : Tom Arban, Courtesy of Hariri Pontarini Architects

The Department of Economics at the University of Toronto unveiled a $10-million renovation and expansion to its home on St. George Street.

Max Gluskin House, Toronto University

The new facility, Max Gluskin House, engages students, faculty, visitors and the  mmediate community with its newly renovated building. Materialized in glass, brick and corten, the three-story modern addition seamlessly connects the department’s original Victorian and Georgian Revival buildings with a glass-enclosed hallway.

Department of Economics building Department of Economics building Department of Economics building
photos : Tom Arban, Courtesy of Hariri Pontarini Architects

This 40,000 sq.ft. urban infill project is a contemporary addition that fulfills the Department of Economics’ objectives and enhances its architectural presence. In order to achieve the department’s requirements, a series of exterior additions and interior interventions provide a more unified and coherent space, increasing its collegiality and accessibility to users. The additions include offices, a central gathering space, a resource centre, research spaces, new meeting rooms as well as graduate and faculty lounges.

The design is organized around an open green space, maximizing natural light into the offices, various common spaces, and lounges and meeting rooms. This increase in views serves to make the interior spaces as bright and comfortable as possible. The south court is used for social and academic gatherings, and when combined with the neighbouring Innis College court, provides a generous open landscaped space benefiting, both the Department of Economics and adjacent Innis College.

Department of Economics building Department of Economics building Department of Economics building Department of Economics building
photos : Tom Arban, Courtesy of Hariri Pontarini Architects

In this renovation, the historical nature of the three existing buildings has been left intact, with only minor changes made in order to facilitate connectivity. Bricks were salvaged and reused, while local materials throughout create warm, inviting spaces. Inside, the use of low emission materials ensures a healthy environment for users.

By knitting together the existing buildings and new addition through interconnected and elevated bridges, the Department of Economics on the University of Toronto campus is carefully designed to ensure comfort, accessibility and an improved academic environment for its users.

Within the limitations of the existing structures, a tight neighbourhood site, a complex program and a challenging budget, the primary objective of hpa’s additions and renovations was to expand the department’s current facilities, while notably enhancing its architectural character on the urban landscape.

Department of Economics building
photos : Arnaud Brassard, Courtesy of Hariri Pontarini Architects

Max Gluskin House, University of Toronto – Building Information

Hariri Pontarini Architects, Competition Team
Siamak Hariri: partner-in-charge
Michael Boxer: associate partner
Bernard Sin, Carolina Beloniale, Howard Wong, John Cook, Jeff Strauss
Justin Ford, Nelson Lai, Matthew Cencich, Maria Espinosa, Sebastian Spataro

Hariri Pontarini Architects, Consultants

Halcrow Yolles: structural consultant
Lam and Associates: mechanical & electrical consultant
Janet Rosenberg and Associates: landscape consultant
E.R.A.: heritage consultant
Stantec Consulting Ltd.: site servicing consultant
A.W. Hooker and Associates: cost consultant
Hine Reichard Tomlin Inc. life safety consultant

University of Toronto Department of Economics images / information from Hariri Pontarini Architects

Hariri Pontarini

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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