The University of Toronto Innovation Complex designed by Moriyama + Teshima is an addition to the existing Kaneff Building which is located on the University of Toronto Mississauga Campus. The Innovation Complex is comprised of 68,000 ft² new construction with an additional 7,000 ft² renovation of 3-storeys plus basement. The Kaneff Building houses the university’s Institute for Management and Innovation. Programming spaces include behavioral research laboratories, classrooms, multidisciplinary space, global business simulator space / industry-academic collaboration space.

The HIDI Group provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, lighting, communications, audiovisual and security design for this Design Build project. The building has LEED Silver certification.

The mechanical services provided included HVAC, plumbing systems such as storm sewer system, sanitary sewer system, and potable water Systems, fire protection systems and building control systems while electrical design covered power distribution, circuiting, life safety systems and electrical rough-in raceways for telecommunications, IT and security. The security systems included closed circuit television (CCTV), emergency duress systems, intercom/ public address systems, access controls and intrusion detection.

The audiovisual scope included 3 dedicated tiered multi-screen classrooms, a finance/stock market training room with stock tickers and four multi-use meeting rooms within the academic office area.

Given the diversity of today’s academic facilities, systems were designed to reflect the varied occupants and usages, reducing energy use, and enhancing occupant comfort.

Challenges

Due to the Innovation Complex being an extension to the existing Kaneff building, certain things needed to be considered. The relocating of the existing communications hub which was located under the grassy courtyard posed a bit of a challenge as this was the central communications hub to three other buildings.

Solution

By rerouting the communications from the three other buildings via a Fiber wing we were able to still be able to provide uninterrupted service during the excavation of the site. Because of the construction of new underground tunnels which connected to another building, we had to provide linkages to that another building in terms of electrical and communications.

Working with our mechanical and electrical teams, power and heat loads were provided make sure there is enough cooling for communications and audiovisual equipment rooms. Mark-up of where the electrical and mechanical needed to be located were accommodated on the drawing. Our close internal coordination between the mechanical, electrical, communications and audiovisual teams allowed us to work efficiently with minimal to no change orders.

Working with our mechanical and electrical teams, power and heat loads were provided make sure there is enough cooling for communications and audiovisual (AV) equipment rooms. Mark-up of where the electrical and mechanical needed to be located were accommodated on the drawing. Our close internal coordination between the mechanical, electrical, communications and audiovisual (AV) teams allowed us to work efficiently with minimal to no change orders.

Innovative Initiatives

To reduce energy consumption during high and low occupancy the mechanical team chose to implement a displacement ventilation system which delivers cooling and ventilation air to the rotunda; this optimizes ventilation effectiveness, which at times is densely occupied, reducing energy use, and enhancing occupant comfort. The ventilation rate is varied based on the concentration of CO² in the space, resulting in a reduction of energy when the space is lightly occupied, yet ensuring that sufficient outdoor air is provided to accommodate high density periods. This is in contrast to the conventional VAV system which is sufficient for, and used throughout, the office space.

The use of fully addressable lighting controls in the lecture halls minimize energy use through on-demand activation while energy efficient LED luminaires in select areas minimize maintenance needed in high ceiling spaces.