Could innovation spark from a historic building? Here at the Centre for Urban Innovation it does. It stands as a testament to Toronto’s forward-thinking approach to urban challenges. This is more than just a building. It is a hub where researchers and industry experts converge to sculpt the cities of tomorrow.
The Centre for Urban Innovation resides in Toronto Metropolitan University’s heritage building on Gerrard Street. The Centre tackles critical urban infrastructure issues. Alternative energy, water management and even food production are researched here. It also focuses on body metrics, human health, data analytics and urban infrastructure.
But how does this centre function? The Centre for Urban Innovation isn’t just about desks and labs. It has state-of-the-art energy and water systems. These act as a living laboratory. Researchers study these systems to find even better solutions.
The original heritage building got two new additions, interconnected and rising three and five stories high. These additions house specialized zones. Wet and dry lab research happens here. The building also has spaces for research fabrication, incubation and commercialization.
Moriyama & Teshima Architects designed this incredible space. Their design preserves the original three-story historic building. They inserted two additions complete with green roofs. Sky-lit open spaces join these purpose-built research facilities to the heritage building. The design celebrates the original 1880s lab’s unique features.
Carol Phillips, Lead Architect at MTA said that the materiality and details for the building convey a light touch. It draws from the innovative nature of the Centre. The new additions are distinguished by metal elements, glass and wood. They express efficiency, clarity and lightness in the use of energy and resources for sustainability and health.
The Centre’s interior features a central four-story sky-lit atrium. It bridges the original heritage building to the new addition. Floor-to-ceiling glazing lets you see into the lab spaces. Stepped seating on the north side of the atrium connects users to the second level. It is an active space for gatherings, studying and industry presentations. Vibrant blue accents highlight active areas. They span from seat cushions in the atrium to laboratory safety flooring. Blue metal archways mark the transition between the heritage building and the new additions.
DIALOG collaborated with MTA to customize the labs and research areas. The result is a facility that brings a new level of research excellence to Toronto Metropolitan University. It has become an interdisciplinary hub for faculty and students.
The Centre for Urban Innovation also has green roofs to reduce stormwater runoff. They reduce building energy use. These roofs help reduce the heat island effect. A stormwater capture system collects rainwater. It stores it in a cistern. The stored rainwater is the primary source of irrigation for the green roofs.
Smart-building technology and an integrated building automation system are used in the Centre. The BAS is programmed to automatically reduce energy use. It turns off lights and optimizes climate control. Low-flow faucets and fixtures reduce projected water consumption by up to 35 percent. Two large skylights and interior windows allow natural daylight to penetrate the building. All building lighting fixtures are LED.
The Centre uses a state-of-the-art heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Incoming fresh air is preheated in the winter using energy from the general exhaust. The main cooling equipment is a magnetic bearing chiller. The Centre also features secured bike parking and shower facilities. A waste diversion program was used during construction.
The Centre for Urban Innovation stands as a beacon. It shines for sustainable urban development. It is a place where the past and the future intertwine. The next time you pass by, remember that within these walls, Toronto’s tomorrow is being built today.