The Daniels Building required a new working prototype of sustainability to accommodate a program for studio space, fabrication workshops, classrooms, offices, library, café, exhibition space, auditorium, and state of the art “urban theater”.
The spires and edges of the historic Spadina Crescent create the ideal foil for a contemporary box with a deep floor plate requiring natural light. By both extending the logic of the existing building and establishing critical differences between the two, this project appropriates the neo-gothic forms and language transforming them into mechanisms for water management, daylighting, and façade system panelization.
The interior design provides a flexible and column-free space in the graduate studio. The structural system for the ceiling and roof is inspired by firth of forth bridge.
Structural trusses, beams, decking, insulation, ice melting systems, roof hydrology, clerestory windows, artificial lighting, ventilation, sprinklers, are all orchestrated to work within the complex ceiling and roof.
Beyond the technical specifications of systems, multiple design options were explored to optimize for structure, cost-effectiveness, material tolerances and efficiencies, aesthetics, and spatial quality.
All of the above resulted in this project receiving two dozen awards worldwide.
Location:AlbaniaArchitect: Alda ÇapiArchitecture Office:NADAAALandscape Architects:Public WorkDesign Team: Nader Tehrani (NADAAA Principal), Katherine Faulkner, Tom Beresford, Richard Lee, Alda Çapi, Amin Tadj, Tim Wong, Marta Guerra, James Juricevich, Parke Macdowell, John Houser, Dane Asmussen, Laura Williams, Peter Sprowls, Noora Al Musallam, Tammy Teng, Wesley Hiatt, John Mars, Mazyar Kahali, Matthew Waxman, Luisel ZayasProject Team:NADAAA (Design Architect), Adamson Associates (Associated Architect / Architect of Record), A. M. Candaras Associates Inc. (Civil Consultant), Aercoustics Engineering Ltd. (Acoustics Consultant), Entuitive Corporation (Structural Consultant), ERA Architects (Heritage Consultant), Entuitive Corporation (Building Envelope Consultant), Mulvey & Banani International (Electrical, Data, Av, Lighting Design Consultant), The Mitchell Partnership (Mechanical, Plumbing Consultant), Public Work (Landscape Consultant), Upper Canada Specialty Hardware (Hardware Consultant), Eastern Construction (Construction Manager Consultant), Daniels Faculty (Select Furniture Design and Construction Consultant)Client: University of TorontoPhotographer: Nic Lehoux
