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Project

Humber College, Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation

Combining Humber’s expertise in polytechnic entrepreneur training, advanced manufacturing and new enterprise development all under one roof.

Lead Contact

Project Details

Project Partners
Bird Design Build and Perkins&Will
Owner
Humber College
Location
Toronto, Ontario
Completion Date
Area
93,650 ft²
Sustainability
LEED Platinum Certification & Net Zero Energy
humber-innovation-centre
The Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario. Tom Arban Photography Inc
humber-innovation-centre
The Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario. Tom Arban Photography Inc
humber-innovation-centre
The Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario. Tom Arban Photography Inc

Overview

The Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation is a groundbreaking initiative that combines Humber’s expertise in polytechnic entrepreneur training, advanced manufacturing and new enterprise development under one roof.

The 93,650-square-foot building was envisioned as an idea accelerator and a model of environmental stewardship. The architect’s imaginative design matched the college’s vision — and presented the engineers with a difficult challenge. The edge of the building structure cantilevers out 90 feet to meet the entrance, which is defined by a 60-foot-high glass atrium.

We provided structural design services to Bird Design Build for the building, which opened in 2019.

Highlights

  • The university wanted to keep the atrium space column free. To accommodate the intricate geometry as well as an expedited project delivery, the design team developed a structural system consisting of conventional concrete framing that steps out at each level with a multi-floor structural steel truss to support the sloping portion of the building.
  • We also provided structural engineering services for the structure for a cultural marker art piece. The art piece consists of a steel mast-type structure clad with Lexan sheeting and supporting plywood components.
  • The building prepares students for careers in high-tech industries with a program focused on developing sustainable building practices and human-centered, technology-enabled solutions.

Our Team