Branksome Hall Karen L. Jurjevich iCAST

Located at the northeast corner of Elm Avenue and Mount Pleasant, the Innovation Centre and Studio Theatre (ICAST) measures 30,000 sq ft and stands three storeys. The new facility replaces the existing performing arts building and will interface with the glazed pedestrian bridge connecting the two halves of the campus, linking ICAST to the Athletics & Wellness Centre on the west side of Mount Pleasant.

Submerged below grade to match the height of the existing 1879 Heritage House immediately adjacent ICAST, the first sunken level contains fabrication shops and design spaces which connect to an open lobby and gathering area complete with stadium seating for formal presentations and informal gatherings. The theatre portion of the building is positioned a half-storey above grade to promote natural light when used as workshop, teaching, and conference space.

The building consists of four centers; namely a digital centre, innovation space, partnership space and fabrication area—all of which are equally balanced. The building exhibits innovation best practices in sustainability to foster and secure a long term living lab environment.

Highlights

• Congested urban residential neighbourhood
• Located adjacent Elm and Mount Pleasant intersection
• Balance of campus remained operational
• Adaptive reuse, heritage buildings (1879)
• Audio / editing booth, media teaching studio
• Design space, STEAM studio, virtual reality lab
• Robotics lab, machine shop, ideation garage
• Media Vestibule, pitch space, Black Box Theatre
• Performance theatre, teacher workspace, student hub