New College Plaza
CLIENT
University of Toronto
LOCATION
New College - University of Toronto
PROJECT TYPE
DATE
May 2018
PARTNERS
Architect: V+A Architects
Engineer: Brown & Co Engineering
Contractor: Canada Construction Ltd.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
For the fabrication of these new canopies at the University of Toronto, V & A Architects opted for precast concrete to ensure the highest quality of installation and finish. The use of precast also expedited the project’s timeline, with installation only taking three days for all six columns and six canopies. Central Precast created precast columns and canopies to act as the main focal point for the modernized and functional streetscape. The design required the labour intensive building of plywood and fiberglass moulds to accommodate the various angles on the underside of the canopy. Due to their size and shape, the canopies required an escort to ship from Ottawa to downtown Toronto. Street closures in downtown Toronto were also required during installation to make room for the crane in order to protect the mature trees that were obstructing the crane’s path to the installation area. The precast was temporarily supported with bracing and scaffold shoring until the post-tension strands and non-shrink grout achieved the desired strength. Now completed, the canopies act as a focal point of the plaza at New College - University of Toronto.