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Classroom Renewal Program

York University has embarked on a Classroom Renewal Project that aims to revise, renew and standardize centrally bookable classrooms to standards informed by faculty and students.

  • York Hall Seating 227
  • Curtis Lecture Hall 182
Photos by Scott Norsworthy

The Classroom Renewal Project encompasses:

  • upgrading physical facilities identified as poor or in need of refurbishment;
  • installing standardized audiovisual and IT equipment based on the agreed upon classroom standards;
  • making basic design modifications to room configurations and furniture placement; and
  • enhancing accessibility for both students and faculty as it relates to path of travel, access into and around the classroom, furniture, equipment, etc.

The designs support innovative and adaptable teaching and learning formats, facilitate and enhance student engagement, and contribute to teaching and learning in the future.

Architecture Counsel Inc. were engaged to conduct a feasibility study on the 282 centrally bookable classrooms at both Keele and Glendon Campuses. Their work included Design Standards for the various types of classrooms as well as a five-year priority list for classroom renewal.  In March 2020, Zeidler Architecture Inc. was hired to take the Design Standards and apply them to the priority list of classrooms.

As a result of the pandemic, York University made the decision to fast track the classroom renewals from a five-year plan to a three-year plan as well as focus on some of the large classrooms that otherwise would be more challenging to renovate. In May 2021 Year 1, Phase 1 classrooms will be complete and include a total of 10 classrooms at Glendon and 2 at Keele. In August 2021 Year 1, Phase 2 was 80% complete and included 22 classrooms at Keele; 20% were completed in January 2022. Following that, Year 2 classrooms, which includes an additional 23 classroom at Keele – 70% were complete in December 2021: 30% to be complete Spring 2022. Currently, the priority of Year 3, 15 classrooms are being discussed and it is anticipated that these will be designed in the Spring 2022 with a completion date in Summer 2023.

For any additional information or concerns, please contact Briar Del Buono or Katya Marshall at classroomrenewal@yorku.caSearch site search button