OISE SJE 12th Floor

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Client: University of Toronto

The Social Justice Education (SJE) department renovation at the 12th Floor Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) of the University of Toronto provides student-focused dynamic and flexible workspaces. Integrated with modern and technologically advanced amenities and improved daylighting, the renovation provides an inclusive and experiential learning environment for the students and faculty members.

The renovation included a welcoming accessible entrance that is both secure and provides a sense of arrival for students, staff, and visitors. Within the space, the renovation provides multiple areas for student workspaces, offices, meeting rooms, a student lounge area, a staff kitchenette, a computer lab, collaborative multi-purpose rooms, and the inclusion of a new universal all-gender washroom. These spaces and refreshed workstations increase the usability and functionality of the space and offer opportunities for students to gather, share, and collaborate. The renovation thoughtfully integrates finishes, materials, and murals with ceremonial plants, representing a deep respect for the cultural significance of these elements to both Indigenous and Black students. The design reflects the collective vision of the department, ensuring the space is meaningful and welcoming to the diverse SJE community.

Photography by: Riley Snelling