News & Events

Gould Street is getting cooler, and more colourful, by the minute.

The School of Image Arts building transformation is taking shape beautifully. The scaffolding is now removed, the translucent glass sheathing uncovered, and last week testing began on the building's signature lighting system. As part of the remarkable renovation, thousands of LED lights have been installed behind glass, transforming the building into an art medium in its own right. The lighting system can be programmed to create light displays in a variety of colours.

"The building will be a dramatic and welcome addition to the Ryerson campus, and a must-see destination in the heart of the city," says Julia Hanigsberg, vice-president, administration and finance.

And one of the university's most beloved landmarks - the unique ice rink at Gould and Victoria Streets, right next to Image Arts - is set to reopen on Dec. 4, weather permitting, after a year's hiatus. To mark the occasion Ryerson will offer free hot chocolate beside the rink Monday to Friday from Dec. 6 to 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

When completed, the School of Image Arts building will accommodate the school's much-sought-after undergraduate and graduate programs. The new design, by internationally acclaimed, Toronto-based Diamond and Schmitt Architects, will have more space for students to mingle, lounge, study and collaborate; improved faculty offices; renovated digital imaging facilities and dedicated production areas; greater accessibility, particularly with washrooms and elevators; and more natural light. Landscaping will fully integrate the building into the newly pedestrianized Gould Street.

Work on the building is proceeding at the quickest possible pace. Plans are to move in for the 2011-12 academic year. When construction began, the School of Image Arts relocated its operations to other facilities on campus and offsite production facilities at Wallace Studios, Image Works and others. These temporary arrangements have worked well.

"We are very grateful for the patience of students, faculty and staff during the construction phase," said Hanigsberg. "When completed, our renovated School of Image Arts building will provide an exceptional learning and teaching environment for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and researchers."

The building will also house another dynamic project, the new Ryerson Gallery and Research Centre - an international centre of excellence for the study, teaching, research and public exhibition of photography, new media and film. Progress on the Gallery and Research Centre is continuing well. The Great Hall will be a fabulous new space for the Ryerson community and for visitors. Everyone will also enjoy a new café which will be on the ground floor, and spill out onto Gould Street in the summer months.