Green Buildings on Campus

(credit: York University)

Built in partnership between York University and Seneca College, the Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Building showcases the commitment of both institutions to creating a more sustainable future for students, faculty and staff.

Envisioned as a ‘place of discovery’ by famed architects Moriyama & Teshima, the 2003 TEL Building fosters a culture of growth, learning and exploration through its own innovative concept. The energy-efficient structure is designed to capture an abundance of natural light, which warms the structure while enhancing spaces for social interaction, lectures and meetings. These and other green initiatives contribute to the building’s 25% reduction in energy consumption!

(credit: York University)

Constructed in 2004 as another environmentally-friendly project by architectsAlliance, the Pond Road Residence incorporates leading-edge sustainable initiatives into its framework. It is the newest undergraduate residence on campus and is an impressive nine storeys high to make room for a growing student population.

The building features a 1,000 square metre planted greenroof that increases thermal insulation and strategically stores ground water, reducing run-off. It also contains an “in-slab” radiant heating and cooling system that uses less energy and provides better airflow than conventional forced-air or electric heaters.

What have your experiences been with these buildings? Do you know about other sustainable initiatives on campus?

Outdoor Activities on Campus

(credit: York University Red Zone)

Instead of hiding away from the snow, wind and chilly air, why not try to make the most of the Canadian winter by enjoying some time outside?

There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor physical activity on the Keele Campus. The four major woodlots on campus boast trails, benches and an abundance of picturesque views – perfect for afternoon hikes with friends or morning jogs.

The Pond also accommodates a variety of winter activities, from long walks along the trails and through the arboretum to the ideal venue to watch local wildlife on the edges of the water from the adjacent seating.

Perhaps the Active Living Challenge will give you the extra encouragement you need to enjoy the outdoor recreational opportunities at YorkU. Hosted by the Health Education & Promotion team, the Active Living Challenge promotes the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle by offering students rewards and prizes based on performance. Beginning in January, students are encouraged to register with YU Connect and track their physical activity – be it a jog around campus, a walk in the park, or an hour at the gym.

(credit: York University)

The initiation of the program to the entire campus (previously limited to students living in residence) comes on the heels of the new Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines. It is now recommended that each Canadian get 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week, in 10-minute bouts or more.

Why not reach this goal while getting some fresh air and sunshine too?

What are you favourite places on the Keele Campus to walk through? Which locations do you think are the most enjoyable during the winter?

Student Centre at the Heart of Campus

(credit: York University)

The hub of student life on campus, the Student Centre serves a wide variety of purposes on the Keele Campus and is accessed each day by thousands of students, faculty and staff.

As such a highly trafficked space, the Student Centre was created to accommodate the needs of many different groups, organizations and services. The new modernist aesthetic led the design of an open-concept space that is easily adapted for new uses.

Architects A.J. Diamond and Donald Schmitt & Company designed the large structure to be the cultural, social and educational heart of the campus and to complete the linked colonnade around The Common.  Extensive wood paneling and a helical staircase create an open and airy ambiance within the Great Hall while allowing for large gatherings to take place on the main and underground levels.

The building was recognized for its balance in functional and aesthetic considerations in 1993 when it received the North York Design Awards merit for Outstanding Architecture and Design, and again in 1996 when it received the Governor-General’s Award for Architecture.

Do you frequent the student centre? Where is your favourite place to hang out or eat lunch in this building?

Public Art on Campus

Public art can manifest itself in many forms. Whether it is large-scale contemporary sculptural works, functional elements integrated into the public realm, temporary video or sound installation or some other site-specific design concept, public art has the ability to capture the public’s imagination and characterize a place.

Hugh LeRoy, Rainbow Piece, 1972

There is growing recognition of the importance of investment in public art, and in creative and cultural endeavors more broadly. Subsequently, there is also a growing awareness of potential opportunities for public art and the benefits that can be derived from it. Public art can reaffirm or reveal a sense of place. It can evoke aspects of the social, natural, cultural, physical, political or historical context of the site and its locale. Public art enhances the physical fabric of the campus community by creating beloved landmarks, and reflecting the growth and progress of the institution. It can be a source of school pride, encourage social exchange and convey YorkU’s cultural image and commitment to fostering a clear sense of identity.

Public art improves the built environment, and the community that thrives within it.

Enzo Cucchi, Fontana d'Italia, 1993

York University has consistently recognized the importance of public art to the vitality of the campus and has procured an impressive collection of works. With a wide range in materials and scale, from both local and international artists (including a few YorkU professors!), the YorkU public art collection is renowned for its forward-thinking approach to enhancing the campus. And, as seen in the most recent addition of the William McElcheran sculpture ‘Encounter’, the collection continues to grow.

Mark di Suvero, Sticky Wicket, 1978

The agYU proudly showcases this collection through an online catalogue with detailed descriptions of works and artists (available here) and guided walking tour of the artworks. If you are interested in exploring the public art on campus, or in furthering your knowledge of the stories behind these pieces, we encourage you to join a tour.

What piece of public art on campus is your favourite? How do you think the collection enhances the Keele Campus?

*All images are by Isaac Applebaum, from agYU's self-guided outdoor sculpture tour (with permission).