The Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship manifests engineering as the facilitator of innovative activity in a symbiotic relationship with human interaction. Upon entry, the expressive yet muted characteristics of the building unfold as students navigate their paths. They observe the visually impressive verticals that connect the eye to refreshing spatial articulations. It’s a collaboration between Montgomery Sisam Architects and Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. This project was established in 2018 (CanadianArchitect).
You may have an upcoming lecture here soon. So here are interesting facts about the building.
Firstly, the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship is home to multidisciplinary research, design studios, and learning spaces that feature state of the art technology. If you enter through St. George Street, you see a high bending wall with a wooden finish. These are the outer walls of the Lee & Margaret Lau Auditorium. Additionally, several tall glass window panes flood the hall with natural light. Hopefully, you get to experience the auditorium for your lectures, as it is very spacious, refreshing and new. The arrangement in the auditorium is unique from the traditional University of Toronto auditoriums. There are general seating and areas with full tables for group study.
Secondly, brilliance in engineering is demonstrated through the consideration of the effect of heat emitted from the large screens. And how this affects the temperature and general comfort of the room. They positioned the largest screens higher with smaller screens nearest to the floor.
The atrium is an interesting lecture environment fostering collaboration with the symbiosis of user-friendly tech.
In the “basement” of the building, you will find the University of Toronto’s official SKULE Arena (Urban Toronto). This is established for the advanced extracurriculars of the University of Toronto’s Engineering. Within this space, there are more opportunities for collaborative work. A magnificent feature is the presence of natural light, which softly filters into the below-ground space. This is possible through a gradient ceiling and glazed glass panelling.
Moreover, the facility offers five TEAL classrooms (Technology Enhanced Active Learning Classrooms) which are located on the mid-level floors of the eight-storey building (Urban Toronto). The prioritization rests on group interaction and learning through experience. This challenges existing classroom environments. It’s taking the setting a step further by placing emphasis on the beauty of collaborative and interactive work. You should visit the design studios when you have the chance and explore how the architecture (and furniture) encourage a new learning process.
One of the most notable areas of the building is the central atrium. And its glorious skylights.
When you stare into the skylights, it appears as though you are staring into a realm of infinite light. The skylights intelligently articulate the use of natural lighting. However, it does not overwhelm you with direct sunlight. But permeates evenly and softly into both the atrium and spaces that share a window into the atrium. If you take the staircase, you enjoy the horizontal and vertical views. This demonstrates a translation of engineering precision while enhancing the importance of the activities that occur within. Brilliant, efficient, and cleverly executed in design.
Furthermore, the fifth floor is home to the 5T7 Robotics lab where flying robots and nanotech are prototyped (Urban Toronto). The sixth floor is home to an idea accelerator known as the Entrepreneurship Hatchery. This allows entrepreneurs to access the fabrication needed for the advancement of their ideas. The Centre for Global Engineering is on the seventh floor, along with the Institute for Leadership Education in Engineering. But the eighth level is home to the Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Institute of Water Innovation, and the Dr. Woo Hon Fai Terrace. The views from the terrace display the skyline of downtown Toronto (facing east) and the front of campus. It’s already one of my favourite places on campus!
So, bring your friends and be sure to check out the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship!
