The recently completed Centre is a new facility on the downtown campus of the University of Toronto, designed by Toronto architect Susan Friedrich Architects Inc. It embodies a number of innovative copper design features, from the wing that hovers over the east face of the building, to the ocular opening over the entrance, as well as the copper canopy, light fixtures and ceiling ring in the Spiritual Room. The Centre was designed by Principal Architect Susan Friedrich and Project Architect Kevin Parent.
Many of the design features involved custom fabrication and careful installation by the contractor, Semple Gooder Ltd., of Toronto. The project was supervised by Peter McGoey, and the copper was supplied by Peckover's of Toronto. 16-oz. copper was used throughout, generally installed over a membrane and a plywood deck. The majority of the copper was installed as shingles, either applied horizontally or in a diamond pattern.
The Centre functions as a community facility for Jewish students at the University. There are meetings rooms, a Spiritual Room, lounges, resource rooms, as well as administrative areas, and a small residential dorm component. This allows for many different activities, from film festivals to intimate events marking holidays and other important occasions.
Due to its high-profile site on Harbord Street, across from the Athletic Centre and beside the Robarts Library at the western edge of the campus, it is seen by most students and visitors to the University.
The design and construction of the Centre is a good example of the services offered by the Association. In the Spring of 2002, the CCBDA held an architectural seminar at the offices of Susan Friedrich Architects Inc. Over the following months, several design assistance requests were handled concerning various issues related to the copper installation. As the project neared completion, we were invited to see how the copper work was progressing, and later we documented the building for this article. Within the next few months, a summary will appear on the Project Gallery of our web site, and the article you are reading will be posted as part of the electronic version of Canadian Copper.
The staff and users of the new facility are pleased to finally have a building rather than office space devoted to their group. Many alumni and Jewish community groups donated funds toward construction of the Centre, including a significant contribution from the lead donor, the Wolfond Family, whose name graces the building. The result is this wonderful new facility, adding to the experience and liveliness of the campus.
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