OCAD University
Toronto, ON

OCAD University

OCAD University, formerly the Ontario College of Art and Design, is a public university whose campus is located in Toronto, Ontario. The school is Canada’s largest and oldest educational institution for art and design. Constructed on a postage-stamp sized site in a very sensitive location, this building soars over a dense area of premier commercial, residential and arts communities.

Status
Completed
Structural engineer
Carruthers & Wallace
Construction manager
PCL
Facts & Figures
  • Designed by Will Alsop
  • Has a one-of-a-kind lateral system requiring a launch-out from the concrete core and an extensive temporary works program.
  • Won the RIBA Worldwide Award in 2004 and the City of Toronto Urban Design Award in 2006
Our Role

Walters Inc. was involved in the Design Assist, fabrication, and erection of the steel structure.

Overcoming Challenges

This structure has a one-of-a-kind lateral system requiring a launch-out from the concrete core and an extensive temporary works program. We also had to overcome differential tolerances between concrete and steel and we came up with massive “goalpost” embedments in the core, set by Walters crews, to ensure the overall structure would meet the tighter tolerances.

Just to add to the pressure, our every move was being photographed and videoed by the stakeholders and broadcast on the internet. The level of planning intensity paid off in a choreographed execution of the project that was efficient, smooth, and timely.

Perspectives

Architects
The beauty of this unusual structure is that it redeems and enlivens the public space below the suspended college building.  Long-span inclined column construction and a lateral system focused back to a rigid core with a small footprint demonstrated new possibilities for architects working in condensed urban environments.

Location
100 McCaul St, Toronto, ON M5T 1W1, Canada
Project Inquiry
We’d be happy to brainstorm with you, answer any questions, or review the drawings for your upcoming project.
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