Updates

All are invited to view presentations, submit feedback to online survey Arthur Kaptainis (U of T Bulletin) Picture yourself here: U of T wants to know which of four design proposals you think would create the most pedestrian-friendly and welcoming environment (photo by Johnny Guatto) Which proposal best addresses the principle of improved pedestrian experience? Which best addresses the principle of enhanced green space? You can have your say on these and other central questions raised by the Landscape of Landmark Quality Innovative Design Competition. Four teams have submitted their ideas on how to revive and restore the historic core [...]

In an effort to prioritize people over cars on its busy downtown campus, the University of Toronto unveiled four competing designs for a major architectural project. The effort to reclaim the central King’s College Circle from tour buses and delivery vans — and to “decant” it of parked cars, which is architecture speak for building underground parking — is likely to take years and cost millions. But the need is dire, university officials said at a public consultation Monday night. At its worst, King’s College Circle — which is roughly the same size as the more inviting provincial legislature grounds [...]

Plans for St. George campus get public viewing Pedestrian-friendly ideas proliferate as four teams weigh in Arthur Kaptainis Four design teams unveiled proposals for transforming U of T's downtown campus. The rendering above is by MVVA/KPMB media; scroll down to see renderings by JRS Media, DTAH Media and Public Work media A pastoral pond in front of Hart House. An elevated walkway to Queen’s Park Crescent. Public art around King’s College Circle. A skating rink outside the J. Robert S. Prichard Alumni House. These are only a few of the improvements envisioned by the four design teams shortlisted in the [...]

The University of Toronto has recently announced a major collaboration with Janssen Inc. and the Ontario government to launch the Johnson & Johnson Innovation incubator (JLABS) in Toronto. The brand new 40,000 square foot space at the MaRS Discovery District will launch in spring 2016 and will support researchers and entrepreneurs with lab space, mentorship programs, and potential investment opportunities. The incubator will focus on startups working with early-stage technologies in biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and digital health. The recent collaboration will extend the Johnson & Johnson Innovation program for the first time outside the United States. The Toronto location will [...]

You probably know many reasons why our campus is 'greener', but here are 5 things we bet you didn't know, that prove that this coming year will be even greener than the last: read more here!

Haters of heavy machinery take heart: The bulldozers and backhoes doing their thing in front of Convocation Hall will be gone by the start of classes, leaving a pedestrian-friendly surface in their place. Arthur Kaptainis writes about the beautification and space definition project outside Convocation Hall in the Bulletin: read more here.

With the removal of the fencing, flagpoles and temporary footpaths and the return of pathways to pedestrians and Hoskin Street to drivers, the St George campus has shed its temporary Toronto 2015 Games wrap as it prepares to welcome a throng of students next month. But the success of bringing the Games to the campus was largely due to the contribution of many U of T staff. Three years ago, with logistical plans not yet finalized and plans still in infancy, agreements were signed with TO2015 to welcome the Games to three St George campus venues: Back Campus – known [...]