Designed by the internationally acclaimed team of architects, Zeidler Partnership of Toronto and Snøhetta of Oslo, Norway, the Ryerson University Student Learning Centre has been described as “a transformational addition for the city of Toronto and the University”.

The most distinct feature of the 158,000 square foot building is its multifaceted glass exterior. Every level is unique and the partial-repeating patterned transparent skin allows light to permeate all eight floors; the surface design on the curtain wall will create varying light qualities inside. The learning centre’s unique characteristics begin at ground level, with two tilted columns rising up through the building to the third and sixth floors. Specialists in Complex Geometryfaçade engineering and design, Wintech are working with Flynn Canada Ltd. providing engineering solutions to part of the building’s façade requiring the production of a mathematical 3D Model of the internal ceiling and external soffit panels and delivering this through a parametric 3D model to facilitate fabrication in CAD format.

Increasingly, contemporary architectural projects are less constrained by convention, allowing for more angular and organic forms. These forms of design require advanced techniques in their design and delivery and can benefit hugely from the application of unique Wintech technologies to mitigate cost and error, with bespoke systems often being the only viable solution for highly complex façades. An in-depth understanding of façade system solutions materials, their performance and manufacturing technologies is essential.

The Student Learning Centre won the 2011 Canadian Architect of Excellence and is targeted to achieve Leed Silver certification. It is one of many international projects that Wintech have provided its specialist consultancy services for including in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.