OCAD U - Sharp Centre for Design
Educational Institute Library or Archives, Built after 2000
100 McCaul St., Level 5&6 (map)
416-977-6000
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Days Open
Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Last Admittance: 5:00 pm
Architecture
Year: 2004
Style: Contemporary (1995 – Present)
Original Architect: Will Alsop in partnership with Toronto-based Robbie/Young + Wright Architects Inc.
Building Description
This centre opened in 2004 as part of a major campus redevelopment. The award-winning, black-and-white 'tabletop' structure stands above OCAD University's main campus building on 12 multi-coloured steel legs. The centre is named after benefactors Rosalie and Isadore Sharp. It was designed by acclaimed British architect Will Alsop in partnership with Toronto-based Robbie/Young + Wright Architects Inc., along with structural engineers from Carruthers & Wallace Ltd. and MCW Consultants Ltd. In 2013, critic Christopher Hume named it one of the 'five most influential buildings' in Toronto. Awards include: Royal Institute of British Architects Worldwide Award, 2004; Award of Excellence, Toronto Architecture and Urban Design Awards, 2005; Most Outstanding Technical Project, Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards, 2005; and Benjamin Moore Contract Exterior Award, 2006 (Awarded to Will Alsop).
Visitor Experience
Walk around the award-winning Sharp Centre and take a sneak peek at OCAD University's amazing teaching facilities. This is a unique opportunity to peer behind the scenes at some of the most popular courses including: the textiles and fibre studio, screen printing, watercolour, chair design, animation and wearable media. Meet some of OCAD's students and the outstanding professional faculty members that are artists and designers with active practices in their respective fields.
Tours
Tours throughout the day but non-scheduled.
Photography / Filming
Interior photography permitted, including tripod
Interior filming permitted, including tripod