University of Toronto Faculty Association

Providing a Home for U of T Faculty

The University of Toronto Faculty Association (UTFA) is housed in an office building on Spadina Avenue. UTFA is the only independent advocate for faculty and librarians at the University and their facilities provide a meeting place for faculty and librarians. In designing the offices we used the buildings of U of T as a reference for the quality of space and materials in creating welcoming spaces. The project consists of four phases. The first phase was the design of the boardroom and ongoing work includes the administrative offices, the council chamber and the offices of the representatives.

The first phase, the boardroom, was designed with ash panelling and trim and glass mosaics. Materials were chosen to evoke the warm materials of Hart House while at the same time creating an open and modern space. In choosing materials there was careful consideration of the environment. The glass mosaics are made out of 76% recycled glass, the cabinets are made of plain sawn white ash hardwood which is a native tree and have a natural oil finish with no VOC’s or solvents, the carpet tiles can be sent back to the manufacturer for recycling, the countertops are a manufactured material of 95% quartz, there are low flow fixtures, dual flush toilet and all the lighting is LEDs on dimmers.

The boardroom was carefully designed to make it flexible for a variety of meetings, with careful attention to the lighting, acoustics and coordination with the communication systems. Colours were chosen to create a calm space with UTFA colours used in strategic locations.

A priority for the office planning is to ensure that all work spaces have views to windows and to create an open and collegial work space with clear routes through the offices with generous public spaces such as the council chamber, boardroom and lunch room.