When we last checked in on York University's new Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence back in the Spring, progress on the latest addition to the Lassonde School of Engineering had already reached a considerable level of completion. Fast-forward to September, and it is clear from the most recent images that with Fall classes now underway, that it will not be long before the structure is fully operational. 

Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence, York University, image by Adrian Gamble

Bergeron Centre, north-west view, image by Adrian Gamble

Approaching from the northwest, the structure appears to be nearly complete, with the iconic exterior panelling nearly finished, and the poured concrete stairs and garden features ready for the the arrival of students and faculty. As seen in the images above and in the close-up below, the illuminated staircases (each paired with generous adjacent seating) will provide a welcoming place to sit, relax, or study in-between classes on good weather days.  

Bergeron Centre, close-up of staircase/seating area, image by Adrian Gamble

According to Paul Stevens, Senior Principal Architect for ZAS Architects, the Bergeron Centre has opened in time for Fall classes, and will be complete by the end of October. For now, students and faculty will be have the opportunity to witness first-hand the completion of what Stevens referred to as a highly complex feat of engineering, the structure itself to be a source of inspiration for all who walk its halls. Stevens noted with enthusiasm that work at the site has been moving along at a brisk pace, and was pleased to report just how smoothly progress had been despite a somewhat accelerated timeline due to the arrival of the Fall semester. While all exterior and interior work will be complete by the end of next month, the Bergeron Centre will celebrate its official ribbon cutting some time in March.

Bergeron Centre, main entrance, image by Adrian Gamble

Bergeron Centre, close-up of main entrance, red feature ceiling and administrative offices visible, image by Adrian Gamble

Moving around to the east side of the structure, to the left of the main entrance, the last of the cladding work was well underway, the patchwork appearance of the exterior—as seen in May—now reduced to a relatively small, unfinished portion tucked away to the side. It will only be a matter of weeks now until all exterior work is complete. 

Bergeron Centre, cladding work in progress, image by Adrian Gamble

Bergeron Centre, alternate view of unfinished cladding, image by Adrian Gamble

Once complete, the new ZAS Architects-designed facility will deliver 169,000 square feet of fluid, open-concept space for students, with the inclusion of highly flexible classrooms paired alongside free-form study rooms and labs, spread over six floors. The signature interior feature, the well-lit open-concept study space, will be accented by an array of artfully hung lights, which, alongside the ample amount of natural light, will help reinforce the Bergeron Centre's nickname, the Cloud.

Bergeron Centre, the Cloud on the horizon, image by Adrian Gamble

Bergeron Centre, interior upon completion, image courtesy of ZAS Architects

Over the next few weeks, interested onlookers will be able to catch a last glimpse of construction as the Bergeron Centre nears completion. For now, however, the final images below—a wide shot of the west elevation and lastly, of the front of the structure as seen from above—will have to suffice. 

Bergeron Centre, west elevation, image by Adrian Gamble

Bergeron Centre, as seen from parking garage, image by Adrian Gamble

UrbanToronto will continue to provide updates as construction progresses, and will be on hand for the planned March, 2016 ribbon cutting ceremony. You can check out our linked dataBase file for more images and information, or the associated Forum thread, both linked below, to get in on the conversation, or you can always leave a comment in the space provided on this page.