11. Physical Infrastructure
The Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering’s commitment to excellence in pedagogy and research is critically dependent upon a superbly built environment and the physical infrastructure that accompanies it. In this respect, the Faculty has relied on a long tradition of world-class facilities – even as we pursue funding opportunities with the government and our generous benefactors for deferred maintenance and new construction. Our success in these endeavours has seen a transformation in the Engineering Precinct with ambitious plans for the future.
Nevertheless, a comprehensive Divisional Space Review undertaken for the Faculty in 2008–2009, determined that our current physical space no longer meets our needs as a world leader in engineering education and research.
Of the 16 buildings occupied by the Faculty on the St. George campus and in Downsview, less than a third of the total net assignable square metres of space within these buildings was deemed adequate. This difficult state is the product of many factors, but chief among them are the age of our buildings – many were built between 1906 and 1960 – and the fact that most have not seen major upgrades in decades.
Rectifying the situation is an urgent priority for the Faculty. Accordingly,
we appointed a Director of Planning and Infrastructure, and several projects
are underway or have already been completed to better meet the needs of
the students, faculty, and staff at Canada’s premier Engineering Faculty –
and this subject remains a critical area for philanthropic fundraising and
Faculty advocacy, both within the University and beyond.
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The Engineering Newsletter is a twice-monthly summary of key headlines, events and opportunities for faculty and staff in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. If you have questions or comments, please contact us: barbara@ecf.utoronto.ca.
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