University College is one of the oldest buildings of the University of Toronto’s downtown campus originally built in 1859, it has been designated a National Historic Site. Due to the building’s historic nature many 21st features were lacking and revitalization was in order to meet the current campus accessibility.

The scope of the project included the design for a café and lounge space on the 3rd floor which would be located in central tower, a new library reading room and support spaces in the West Hall and adjacent central tower rooms. A new library, collections room and mezzanine located in the East Hall. In addition the installation of a limited use/limited application elevator in the central tower of the College’s front wing as well as accessibility related work to provide ramps and lift at west Ground Floor.

Renovation of Croft Chapter House and environs to create a conference facility, addition of and upgrade to air-conditioning and ventilation to service the East and West Halls with consideration to the sensitive heritage construction and environmental requirements.

The HIDI Group is providing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, communications, security and lighting design by Alula Lighting design, for the University College Revitalization.

ALULA provided lighting design which included classrooms, public assembly spaces, library, and café. Working closely with the Architectural team, we provided lighting design that suited the University’s functionality requirement as well as being aesthetically pleasing and complimentary to the historical space and architectural details. The Team created creative lighting solutions to enhances specialty spaces like the circular Croft Chapter house.