The exciting culmination of a multiphase master plan focused on enriching student life, the Student Services Hub (SSH) consolidates previously dispersed services in one prominent location within the heritage-designated Davis Building. In keeping with the master plan’s student-centric objectives, we developed a distinguished architectural and interior design that optimizes functionality while delivering an inclusive destination that fosters a sense of belonging on campus. Accessible through a new signature entrance on the building’s west side, the SSH is a fluid experience that enhances student service delivery and fulfills the university’s mission to provide a top-tier experience to its diverse population.

The heart of the project is defined by a sculptural skylight and a multi-seat service desk. The new skylight reinstates a former aperture by way of structural modifications, the removal of masonry walls, and the introduction of fire-rated glass. These tactical maneuvers allowed us to bring daylight deep into the plan and suffuse the interiors with vitality. Sitting beneath and adjacent to the skylight is the ultra-functional and friendly “Hello Desk,” which establishes pride of place and streamlines service delivery. The desk is flanked by student-focused spaces for collaboration, study, and counselling as well as new workspace for UTM staff, including offices and meeting rooms outfitted with AV technologies. 

The goal of the project was to lift student services above the ordinary to create a fluent, accessible, and efficient experience while also optimizing administrative areas. Our layered plan is both welcoming and strategic, organically segueing from public to private to accommodate conversations that require confidentiality as well as quiet work. Hewing to digital principles of self-navigation and thoughtful user experience, the overall spatial experience is intuitive, with architecturally integrated digital signage and wayfinding that enables users to locate what they need quickly and easily. 

Our distinctive frontispiece for the Davis Building comprises a new entrance and canopy that is compatible with the building’s heritage language. Clad with patinated zinc that harmonizes with the precast Brutalist concrete, the cantilevered roof is a slender structure, representing a deliberate strategy to maintain sightlines and deference to the heritage-designated architecture. High-performance triple-pane structural glazing invites visitors in by offering passersby a glimpse into the hustle and bustle of the new SSH. The new plaza by Nak Design Strategies knits in with the surrounding paving materials, introduces native plant species, and bridges a slight grade change to create a barrier-free entrance that connects the SSH to pedestrian routes, transit, as well as the Innovation Complex and Office of the Registrar across the street. Not only does the new front door provide a distinguished identity for the SSH, it also exemplifies UTM’s commitment to its “any door is the right door” approach by making student services more readily visible, accessible, and fulsomely integrated into daily campus life. 

We pursued sustainable interventions wherever possible, including a significant opportunity to upgrade the building’s mechanical infrastructure. By introducing a new air handler with heat recovery and replacing systems around the perimeter, we not only enhanced temperature control, occupant comfort, and air quality, but also improved energy efficiency and helped UTM meet broader campus sustainability targets.

Images: doublespace photography