Campus Planning Principles

From the Policy on Capital Planning and Capital Projects (June 28, 2001):

To ensure excellence in campus planning and design, directives that guide the University towards a systematic and comprehensive approach for evaluating design alternatives for buildings and grounds are necessary.

The general planning principles relating to campus planning, building design, site planning and landscaped open space to assist the University in various development proposals are loosely categorized below. This listing incorporates the principles established in 1990 which were based on the principles approved in 1975 and 1983 and do address accessibility, safety and environmental issues. In addition it is important to refer to all Master Plans for each campus to specifically delineate those issues that are campus specific, notably parking etc.

A. Campus Planning

A1. It should be recognized that the University is set within an established urban environment and that campus development must fall within the parameters of the existing context and the planning of the Cities of Toronto and Mississauga and the broader GTA.

A2. The development capacity of University of Toronto property should be fully realized, while respecting the integrity of the campus to support the University’s academic endeavours.

A3. The use of transit should be encouraged while co-operating with the Cities of Toronto and Mississauga in new endeavours to examine and rationalize parking.

A4. The architectural and visual coherence of the campus should be sustained and enhanced by campus development.

A5. Structures and outdoor spaces of historical, architectural, or environmental significance should be preserved.

A6. The University’s heritage and tradition should be enhanced and emphasized.

A7. Unified academic communities should be planned with a fundamental framework of social and environmental amenities (e.g. child care, food services, recycling facilities etc.).

A8. The expansion of campus-wide service networks, such as utilities and communications, should be integral to campus planning.

A9. The University campus and global environment as set out in the Environmental Protection Policy should be maintained and enhanced.

B. Site Planning

B1. Structures, open space, and areas of historic significance should be preserved and enhanced and an appropriate integration of new development, renovations, or additions must be ensured.

B2. A system of continuous pedestrian routes throughout the campus should be established which provide safe and convenient access to all University facilities, including convenient and dignified access.

B3. The grouping of buildings with related use and technical support facilities should be encouraged.

B4. Aesthetic aspects of public areas should be enhanced.

B5. Personal safety considerations must be paramount in building and landscape design.

C. Landscaped Outdoor Open Space

C1. Designated funding for landscape improvements are required to be included within the total building project budgets in accordance with the University’s budget guidelines.

C2. Priority should be given to landscape improvements on the St. George Campus identified in the open space master plan “Investing in the Landscape” and on the Mississauga and Scarborough Campuses identified in their respective master plans.

C3. Existing University open space, gardens and treed areas of significance should be respected and enhanced when planning new development, renovations and additions to adjacent buildings.

C4. Optimal microclimatic conditions should be promoted through site and building design. Specifically, design must take into account that peak use of the campus occurs in fall and winter.

C5. Streetscapes should be identifiable through distinctive paving, lighting, signage, and outdoor furnishings.

D. Property And Land Use

D1. The use of physical resources of all kinds should aim to promote the University’s academic goals. All University lands should be regarded as resources to serve the University’s overall mission.

D2. No buildings or campus areas should be irrevocably assigned to or controlled by a particular division or department.

D3. Capital improvements and the use of existing space should be coordinated to ensure the most effective use of all resources. The secondary ramifications of every major capital project should be identified as part of the planning for the project.

D4. Building renovation and adaptation should be given equal consideration with building replacement in order to maximize use of the existing space inventory and to preserve sites for development.

D5. Where possible and desirable, the University should plan multiple use facilities.

D6. The periphery of the campus should be planned in a consultative fashion so as to reflect the plans of both adjacent communities and the University.

D7. Faculties and departments that have close functional or disciplinary relationships should be grouped whenever possible.

D8. The University should vacate leased space funded by the operating budget whenever cost effective alternatives are presented to do so.

D9. Surface parking should be replaced wherever possible by parking structures

D10. The university should retain oversight of design when leasing land to a third party.

E. Considerations For Building Design

E1. All buildings should be identifiable as University facilities and contribute to the quality and coherence of the campus.

E2. On the perimeter of the campus, the buildings should convey the identity of the University as well as ensuring appropriate integration with the adjacent communities.

E3. Each building project should be developed as part of an integrated whole, consisting of built space, open space, and functional inter-relationships.

E4. The gross area of each building should be minimized to reduce capital and operating costs while fulfilling program requirements according to a system of objective space standards.

E5. Building design should make efficient use of each building site taking into account the limited availability of undeveloped campus lands.

E6. Building design should take into account impact on micro-climatic conditions.

E7. Facilities that do not require surface locations should be built below grade when possible.

E8. lnfill should be considered to capitalize on unused space or where it can preserve and reinforce the historical, aesthetic, or functional attributes of existing buildings.

E9. Accessibility must be taken into account in building design.

E10. Building design should provide flexibility to facilitate changes in use and improvements in technical support facilities.

E11. All building projects should take into account the principles described above in order to improve adjacent existing facilities whenever possible.

E12. When making decisions about designs, processes and products that influence resource use and other environmental impact, alternative methods that result in good environmental practices should be considered.

E13. All buildings are to be designed according to principles of green building in order to minimize energy and materials demand, and to minimize interior pollution.