Image: York University School of Continuing Education
Architectural Firm: Perkins&Will
Photo Credit: Younes Bounhar
Webinar | Designing for Brand and Community: Exploring York University’s School of Continuing Studies
Thursday, 5 December, 2024 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm (ET)
Provider Name: AIA Canada Society
Provider Number: 100100113
Course Number: 2024AIACS17
Credit: 1 AIA Learning Unit (LU)
Registration Link |
Designing for Brand and Community: Exploring York University’s School of Continuing Studies
Course Description |
Participants will explore how the architectural design of York University’s School of Continuing Studies enhances the institution’s brand and business. Attendees will gain insights into how the building’s design fosters an academic community through strategic programming and architectural elements, delve into the innovation around the building’s distinctive façade, and discuss the resilience of iconic designs in adapting to change.
Learning Objectives |
- Learn how the building’s unique architecture supports the brand and business for a distinct school within the York University community.
- Understand how architecture supports the development of an academic community through programming and design.
- Understand how the building’s unique double-curved façade was achieved using off-the-shelf products and systems.
- Understand how an iconic design can remain resilient to changes in use, enrolment, and programming.
Presenters
Safdar Abidi, OAA, ALBNL, MRAIC, LEED® AP BD+C
Principal, Higher Education, Perkins&Will
Role on the Project: Managing Principal
Career Bio: Safdar has developed a deep specialization in architectural design and strategic consulting services for Higher Education institutions over the last 15 years. As the leader of Perkins&Will’s Higher Education practice in Canada, Safdar works closely with colleges and universities to continually deepen his understanding of their priorities and processes. He is passionate about collaborating with clients to “connect the dots” and develop creative strategies to enrich the student experience, elevate institutional identity, and maximize value for investments in campus projects. While leading client engagement, business development, design, or project management, Safdar guides project teams to pursue process and design solutions that are positive, future focused, and deeply responsive to the unique culture and mission of each client. More recently, Safdar has applied the lenses of climate change, social equity, and Indigenous engagement to guide the visioning of goals and priorities for post-secondary projects.
Jon Loewen, OAA, MRAIC, LEED® AP BD+C, Certified Passive House Designer
Design Principal, Perkins&Will
Role on the project: Project Designer
Career Bio: Jon is an enthusiastic collaborator dedicated to high-performance design. Driven by a commitment to tackling complex problems with creativity and elegance, he believes great design is a force which cultivates inspirational and inclusive communities. Jon’s award-winning design approach delivers creative vision and innovative solutions informed by a deep understanding of stakeholder and user priorities to maximize the potential of spaces for learning, collaboration, and well-being.
