Hariri Pontarini Architects

The Department of Economics at the University of Toronto engages students, faculty, visitors and the immediate community with its newly renovated building. Designed and constructed on a modest $10 million budget, this 40,000 sf urban infill project is a contemporary addition which seamlessly integrates with two historic University of Toronto buildings. To fulfill the Department of Economics’ objectives and enhance its architectural presence, the current facilities have been expanded and in the process have revitalized the St. George Campus. In order to achieve the department’s requirements, a series of exterior additions and interior interventions provide a more unified and coherent space, increasing its collegiality and accessibility to the users. The additions include offices, a central gathering space, a resource centre, research spaces, new meeting rooms as well as graduate and faculty lounges. The design is organized around an open green space, maximizing natural light into the offices, various common spaces, lounges and meeting rooms. This increase in views serves to make the interior spaces as bright and comfortable as possible. The south court is used for social and academic gatherings, and when combined with the neighbouring Innis College court, provides a generous open landscaped space benefiting, both the Department of Economics and adjacent Innis College.