Ryerson School of Continuing Education

Toronto, Ontario

Associated with Rounthwaite, Dick and Hadley Architects of Toronto, Unity Design Studio were the Design Architects for this seven storey building housing the Continuing Education (CE) department at Ryerson University. In order to be able to accommodate the needs of CE, Unity Design Studio developed a scheme that cantilevers a portion of the building over the Devonian Park, a key urban element of the campus. This was done so that the height restrictions of the site were not exceeded.

In the winter when the parks pond is used as a skating rink, the public can skate under the building. Also of note is the preservation of the original O’keefe Breweries office building facade into the new building. This building has been designed to be multi-functional with 42 private offices, 84 workstations, a ground floor lounge, a two-storey multi-purpose room and a seventh floor corporate learning centre which will hold 200 for lectures and functions. The project will be published in the February 2007 issue of Award Magazine and was the recipient of an Ontario Association of Architects Award of Excellence.

“Remarkably elegant…”

-Christopher Hume, Toronto Star

Two large rocks sit in the pond underneath below the building.
Close up of exterior top corner of building.  Large windows line the front of the building.
Education building stands tall above trees beside the university over Devonian Park.
Office lights from the building illuminate the pond a nighttime falls.
Seating areas overlook the pond area through floor to ceiling windows.
Two large rocks sit in the pond reflecting off the surface as sun shines down on the water and building.
An individual leans against a welcome desk and talks to en employee.
Conference room with a large rentuaglar table. Black office chairs line the table. Two whiteboards sit on the wall.