Image courtesy of Ryerson University.
Ryerson University has revealed the design for the new Centre for Urban Innovation (CUI), a research, incubation and commercialization hub focused on solutions to urban infrastructure issues.
Designed by Moriyama & Teshima Architects (MTA), CUI will provide 40,000 square feet of research and fabrication space for faculty and students conducting research on alternative energy, water management, food production and data analytics.
Built in 1886, the site was the first school of pharmacy in Canada and at that time the only teaching centre for the profession. In 1963, Ryerson acquired the heritage site which housed the university?s department of architectural technology and later Ryerson?s performance and journalism programs. MTA’s design preserves the original three storey historic building, inserting two additions with green roofs. These purpose-built facilities dedicated to research are joined to the heritage building with sky-lit open spaces, celebrating the distinctive features of the original 1880’s lab. The major spaces within the building will be retained, including the original 19th century lecture hall. As part of Ryerson?s long-standing commitment to sustainability, the project is designed to LEED Silver standards, adaptively reusing the existing building and reducing the construction footprint.

Image courtesy of Ryerson University.
?The materiality and details for the building and its interiors are meant to c...