University College in Toronto
The entire college complex is designed to foster close communication between academic work, social interaction, and living. Life in the individual colleges unfolds across three floors around the central community centre, built on an octagonal floor plan, which forms the organizational and technical core of the entire complex. All connecting pathways converge at this core. A characteristic feature is the limited number of vertical openings to the exterior of the building complex. Shaft-like window bands and skylights create an introverted atmosphere. This is further enhanced by the interplay of materials: brickwork, concrete (partly sandblasted, partly tinted), and wood.
