Now rising to its full six-storey height, the second phase of the reconstructed 'North Building' at the University of Toronto's Mississauga campus has become a highly prominent part of the built environment. Adding 210,000 ft² of new academic and community space to the campus, the new phase of the Perkins + Will-designed complex will be double the size of the neighbouring phase one building, now known as Deerfield Hall. 

The new North Building Rises alongside the completed first phase, image by UT Forum

Since our last construction update in March, the complex has risen an additional four storeys, with early stage work on the exterior underway with the concrete skeleton complete. Compared to the repeating floorplates that characterize many of Toronto's recent point towers, the unique programming for each of the facility's floors makes for a more labour-intensive and gradual construction process.

A closer view of the new wing, image by UT Forum member jArch22

Above a base of textured concrete, the building's two cantilevered volumes–which are set to be finished in terra cotta coloured glazing—are now visible on either side of the central atrium. Creating an architectural dialogue with the similarly brightly clad Deerfield Hall, the more ambitious $89 million edifice is designed to meet LEED Gold standards, with green features including natural ventilation and an accessible green roof.

A closer look at the two volumes, image by UT Forum member jArch22

The North Building complex replaces a two-storey 1967-built structure which formed the original building of Erindale College. Initially intended to be a temporary structure, the old North Building instead became a key element of what would eventually become UTM, and was only recently demolished to make way for the new complex.

The completed building, image via UTM

The new building will be anchored by a central atrium and event hall, providing a flexible configuration that serves as an informal gathering and study area, as well as a marquee event venue. Academic space for the departments of English, Drama, Philosophy, Historical Studies, Language Studies, Political Science, and Sociology, will also be provided, along with a new Centre for South Asian Civilizations.

The central atrium, image via UTM

Focusing on active learning classrooms that encourage student interactions and community-building, the classroom space will be complemented by a new Academic Skills Centre, with administrative space for Campus Facilities and Planning also set to be housed in the building.

Another view of the finished complex, image via UTM

We will keep you updated as construction continues, and the building takes shape. In the meantime, make sure to check out our dataBase file, linked below. You can get in on the conversation in our associated Forum thread, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.