The remarkable transformation of Centennial College's Progress Campus is continuing, with Diamond Schmitt Architects' new Residence and Culinary Arts Centre now topped off, contributing to a new, distinctly contemporary aesthetic that is remaking the look and feel of the campus. Following the completion of the new Library and Academic Facility in 2011, the Culinary Arts Centre is now adding another substantial new facility—which will house the culinary school, as well as a student residence—to the expanding campus.

Aerial view of the building, image courtesy of Centennial College, via Darryl Dahmer

Viewed from above, the multi-purpose facility's large, central quadrangle is prominently visible. This design feature allows for extensive natural light to flow into the building, while the enclosed central space allows for a calm yet communal environment in the middle of what is likely to be one of the campus' busiest buildings. Designed to host barbecues and student events, the courtyard will bring the campus a vital social space, facilitating a friendlier and more intimate student experience.

Chefs sign the steel beam, image courtesy of Diamond Schmitt Architects

As building's last beam was installed, a celebration was held (above), with attendees leaving their mark on the final bone of the building's skeleton. With the building now rising to its full, eight-storey height, cladding installation is currently underway, giving us a glimpse at the completed building's playful orange and white colour palette.

A look at construction progress, image courtesy of Diamond Schmitt Architects

Built by Knightstone Capital, the new campus building will add 740 new beds to the campus—configured mostly in four-bedroom suites—more than doubling the school's current capacity. Each floor will also feature its own themed communal lounge for students to congregate, or study in private. The lounges will vary significantly in style and function, ranging from a cinema, to a library, and even a yoga and meditation centre.

Meanwhile, the ground floor will be occupied by the labs and classrooms of the school's Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts Program, which will also feature a teaching restaurant and cafe, bringing further life and vibrancy to the campus. Finally, the top floor of the building will house a conference and banquet facility with a capacity of up to 425 guests, which is set to become a premier venue for major events.

A closer look at construction progress, image courtesy of Diamond Schmitt Architects

The $90 million facility is set be completed next year, welcoming its first new residents and students in September of 2016. Targeting LEED Gold Certification, the 353,500 square foot facility represents the largest build project Centennial College has ever undertaken, equaling the the entire Ashtonbee Campus in size, and dwarfing the 113,000 square foot SAC Campus, which comes in at a mere third of the new building's size. For Centennial College, the facility is set to become a major showpiece, and a prominent public face of the burgeoning school.