The Landscape Improvements at 35 St. George Street for the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering at the University of Toronto provide a much-needed student space and community amenity at the west face of the Galbraith Building. The new design creates a sustainable, all-inclusive, and vibrant place that celebrates the diversity of Toronto and the University, while raising the stature of the landscape to match that of the building’s modernist façade.

Access, circulation, planting, seating, and gathering are rationalized within a new landscape framework patterned after the building’s architectural grid. The functional requirements of accessibility form the structuring principle for the entrance. The entry plinth forms a new landscape identity with space for seating, access and performances.

The significant artwork by Robert Murray, Becca’s H, has been renovated and repositioned for high visibility.

The plant palette has been expanded with low-maintenance, native flowering shrubs, groundcovers, evergreens, and perennial grass species chosen for seasonal boldness and intensity.

Client: University of Toronto

Location: Toronto ON

Completion: 2021

Landscape Architects: gh3*

Consultants: Moon-Matz (electrical), Pretium (universal accessibility design)

General Contractor: Somerville Construction

Photography: Adrian Ozimek