Thanks to a $35 million infrastructure investment by the provincial and federal governments, Centennial College has moved ahead with a visionary plan to add more space at its Progress Campus to better accommodate an expanding student population.

The new building, which totals about 103,500 square feet, houses a full-service library, 22 new, larger classrooms, lab space, a lecture theatre, and a bio wall by Nedlaw Living Walls. The new structure will be immediately north of the pedestrian footbridge leading to the Student Hub built in 2008. An enclosed bridge will provide a seamless link between the new and existing buildings. Once complete, the new building will form the new main entrance for the flagship campus.

New space supports learning

A lobby, café, and several theatre-style classrooms will complete the ground floor of the building. The new library space will be on the third and fourth floors, while conventional classrooms will be located on the first and second floors. The new library will offer modern technology with both in-house and remote access to digital resources, plus print and visual media collections. The learning-centred environment will be open, dynamic and physically adaptable to accommodate various needs.

The new Library and Academic Facility building was designed by Diamond and Schmitt Architects Incorporated. Established in 1975, this team of architects is recognized nationally and internationally for innovative design excellence in a broad range of building types, and for its responsible project management and budget control. The firm has received more than 150 regional, national and international design awards, including six Governor General's Awards for architecture. Diamond and Schmitt has worked with education, health care, government and private clients to design spaces for academic buildings, exhibitions, medical and research facilities, performing arts centres, and mixed-use projects. To learn more about Diamond and Schmitt, visit their website at http://www.dsai.ca/.

Established as Toronto's first public college in 1966, Centennial College offers programs in business, communications, community and health studies, science and engineering technology, general arts, hospitality and transportation.