Description
The Centre for Justice Leadership was a complex renovation part of Humber College’s initiative to repurpose neighbouring buildings on its Lakeshore Campus to create a new and dynamic campus corridor along Lakeshore Boulevard. Previously a car dealership, the facility was converted to become a centre dedicated to the teaching of forensic science, enabling students to learn the art of fingerprint dusting and other investigation techniques, including laser and video recording, in a state-of-the-art forensics lab.
Students study crime scenes and hone their investigation skills in the facility’s tiered 45-seat theatre with a simulated one-bedroom apartment for the reenactment of crime scenes. Labs are situated in large open span areas and accommodate special audio visual and other electronic equipment. Lab activities are broadcasted in corridors and adjacent rooms to provide additional viewing opportunities outside of the lecture theatre.
Inspired by the nature of the centre’s activities, the new facade gives the building a simultaneously alluring and discrete appearance. The original facade of the dealership is now shrouded behind a translucent aluminum screen, providing dynamic shapes to the building’s exterior. Aside from its aesthetic appeal, the aluminum screen also serves to soften the bright light that previously permeated the structure through the large showroom windows.
A green living wall cascades down the facade and is visible through large fissures in the screen. The vertical garden provides a lush, natural contrast to the sharp sculptural shape of the screen and to the street’s harsh paving.
After dark, the large LED sign projecting Humber’s wordmark radiates an ambient glow from behind the screen – providing both drama and safety to the surrounding area.
