University of Toronto Buildings - Instructional Building (or IB Building)

Instructional Building (or IB Building)

In response to the doubling of student enrollment over the past decade, the UTM campus building infrastructure has continued to expand to meet growing enrollment needs. The construction of the Instructional Centre, also known as the Instructional Building (IB), had plans drawn out in 2002. Located next to the Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre and Library on the north side at the end of the campus’s outer circle road, the Instructional Building covers a total of 13,000 square metres (140,000 sq ft) of space spread out throughout its three stories. The much-innovated construction of the IB building is composed of green patinated copper strips aiming in a vertical direction continuing inside the building, adding to the physical appearance of the facility. The use of the copper panels increases classroom space by 50% and increases the use of green infrastructure by 60%. UTM’s Instructional building includes geothermal heating and cooling systems under the nearby football field as well as awnings with thin photovoltaic cells which contribute to shade on the south side of the building. Other renewable energy ideas were also included in the construction of the building such as the inclusion of green roofs and reflective membranes which play a big role in the reduction of urban heat as well as energy and water-efficient lighting and fixtures. The building has been considered as a LEED silver-certified project and will soon be certified as LEED Gold. In addition, the building contains many windows, which enable much light to enter which creates a warm and friendly atmosphere for students.

The construction of the Instructional centre and the new Health and Science complex has led to an enduring loss of 450 parking spaces. However, the project has opened a new window of opportunity for students and staff since it provides and accommodates up to 2,500 students simultaneously. Included in this newly built structure are auditorium or lecture halls containing as many as 500 students respectively. In addition, the structure also offers study rooms meant for more individual study time. The study rooms are significantly smaller than lecture halls and are able to accommodate 30 students.. Also included in this structure is a 24/7 computer lab with an average of 50 computers. Throughout the entire building, the classrooms and lab rooms are equipped with e-connected spaces using newly digital technology which encourages students in their learning process. In addition, this facility includes lounges through its three stories as well as a café (Second cup) with seating area, as well as a patio where students are able to connect to the internet using their portable devices.

The IB averaged 70 million dollars in order for its construction to commence. The Instructional Building was funded by both the federal and provincial governments. In doing its part, the federal government spent 35 million dollars in collaboration with the Knowledge Infrastructure Program. The provincial government has invested an additional 35 million in corresponding to the contribution from Queen's Park in its budget of 2009.

The Instructional centre was designed by Shore Tilbe Perkins+ Will, not known as Perkins+Will Canada. The design and the technological ideas involved in the production of the Instructional Building at the University of Toronto at the Mississauga campus won the Award of Excellence at the 30th annual Mississauga Urban Design Awards competition. The Instructional Building opened its doors in August 2011 and was presented with this award on November 22 in Mississauga City Hall.