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As the days lengthen and with the winter semester in full swing, the University of Toronto is making continued progress on its Landscape of Landmark Quality project at its St George campus. The design by KPMB Architects and Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates is breathing new life into 20 acres of central campus space. With landscaping continuing, King’s College Circle, once a thoroughfare for cars, is being reimagined as a car-free haven, with the underground parking garage recently opened to the public.
This expansive view from October, 2023 looks eastward over King's College Circle and captures the freshly installed expanse of interlocking paving stones that form a pedestrian promenade where the road once existed. Safety barriers, including delineator posts and caution tape, signal ongoing work. The neatly graded soil beds at the perimeter are set to become verdant lawns or plantings, in line with the project's vision to enhance biodiversity and ecological value.
Below we see the nearly completed pavilion in November, 2023 which is will serve as the southeast access to the underground parking. The glass facade and sleek, curved roof of the pavilion are a minimalist design that will avoid overshadowing both the traditional and modern architectural languages in its vicinity. To the right, the entrance area to the brutalist Medical Sciences Building is getting large granite blocks for seating.
In December 2023, we face south to a newly erected gazebo. Its structure, characterized by svelte pillars holding up a sheltering canopy, presents a social and ceremonial focal point in front of Hart House.
At the start of 2024, we look eastward to progress around the parking garage entry, the last part of the construction to be completed. The installation of waterproofing membranes and protection boards is visible, ensuring the durability and integrity of the underground structure.
An aerial perspective from last month captures the gothic revival architecture of University College accessed from the newly constructed footpaths, with the new field in the foreground, awaiting its spring green-up.
From a bird's eye view, we look down at Convocation Hall and its distinctive domed rotunda. The surrounding hardscaping complements the circular form of the building. This design demonstrates an architectural dialogue between ground and structure, with the walkways directing movement and sightlines towards the hall’s imposing entrance.
An image from this month reveals the newly minted underground parking facility. The space boasts high ceilings and bright lighting reflecting off the clean, white surfaces. A notable feature is the array of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, reflecting the University's commitment to sustainability and innovation. On a back wall, signage guides users to the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the exit located in the southwest corner of the garage.
Originally intended for completion by the end of 2023, work continues into the warmer months of 2024 as the final details are wrapped up.
UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.
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