Evolution of The Common

A sunny spring day in The Common (credit: York University)

As the main ceremonial entrance to YorkU, and a constant hub of activity, The Common (formally known as the Harry W. Arthurs Common) is the heart of the YorkU campus. Various iterations of the University Master Plan have guided the evolution of The Common and have been influential in determining both its form and functions.  With a new master plan in development, as well as the arrival of a subway station, The Common is currently in the midst of another period of transition.

York Boulevard leading up to the Ross Building (credit: York University)

1970s-1980s: Prior to the construction of Vari Hall, The Common consisted of a curving boulevard, surrounded by surface parking.  The looping roads shown in the photo above are reflective of the 1963 Master Plan.  It served the needs of a predominately single-person vehicle commuting population, but was not pedestrian or environmentally friendly.

New landscaping with construction of Vari Hall (credit: York University)

1990s-2000s: With the construction of Vari Hall in the early 1990s, as well as an updated 1988 Master Plan, The Common received a significant makeover.  Reimagined as an open green space, asphalt was replaced with grass, trees, trellises, and a fountain, making it a social and recreational gathering space for the campus community. Since people were increasingly travelling to campus via public transit, car access was eventually replaced with the bus loop, which now serves as a transit hub for the larger region.  The Common was also given a stronger sense of enclosure with the construction of the Student Centre, Accolades East & West, York Lanes, and the York Research Tower around the perimeter.

Concept illustration of The Common with proposed subway station design (credit: YUDC)

2010s-Future: The Common is now evolving into its third iteration, with the new subway station under construction on the east side (look out for an upcoming post on the design of the station).  Bus traffic will be significantly reduced, improving local air quality and making the space even friendlier to pedestrians.  More seating and recreational opportunities will be provided to help foster a greater sense of community, in addition to further greening of the space and making it more accessible for all to benefit from its amenities.




How would you like to see The Commons evolve in the future? What changes would improve this space for your day-to-day use?