Skip to content

Subscribe to our newsletter. Connect with us on LinkedIn.

Join our Mailing List



Life Sciences Building

York University

  • Project-YorkLSB-01
  • Main Entrance Lobby looking North

    Main Entrance Lobby looking North

  • Main Entrance Lobby looking South

    Main Entrance Lobby looking South

  • Interconnected Lobbies at Main Entrance

    Interconnected Lobbies at Main Entrance

  • Second Floor Lobby

    Second Floor Lobby

  • Crush Sapce outside Lecture Halls on Main Floor

    Crush Sapce outside Lecture Halls on Main Floor

  • East Lecture Hall on Main Floor

    East Lecture Hall on Main Floor

  • West Lecture Hall on Main Floor

    West Lecture Hall on Main Floor

  • Learning Commons on Main Floor

    Learning Commons on Main Floor

  • Second floor corridor

    Second floor corridor

  • Biology Teaching Laboratories on Second Floor

    Biology Teaching Laboratories on Second Floor

  • Chemistry Teaching Laboratories on Second Floor

    Chemistry Teaching Laboratories on Second Floor

  • Teaching Laboratory on Second Floor

    Teaching Laboratory on Second Floor

  • Teaching Laboratory on Second Floor

    Teaching Laboratory on Second Floor

  • Biology Research Laboratories on Third Floor

    Biology Research Laboratories on Third Floor

  • Biology Research Lab Module on Third Floor

    Biology Research Lab Module on Third Floor

  • Third Floor Write-up Space looking South-East

    Third Floor Write-up Space looking South-East

  • Third Floor Write-up Spaces looking North-East

    Third Floor Write-up Spaces looking North-East

  • Third Floor Interaction Space

    Third Floor Interaction Space

  • Kitchen and Interaction Space on Third Floor

    Kitchen and Interaction Space on Third Floor

  • Basement Mechanical Room

    Basement Mechanical Room

The Challenge:

We are currently working on the new Life Sciences Building at York University. This represents an exciting design opportunity to complete the central quad of the future science precinct in the north campus and connect to the existing chemistry building.

The program is unique in that it co-locates both undergraduate teaching and postgraduate research providing for exciting synergy and mentorship opportunities.

The building encompasses modern flexible, modular labs designed to a CL-2 level, and sustainable design features targeted for LEED Silver rating. Additional features include the randomized exterior envelope capitalizing on exterior views, efficient mechanical heat recovery systems and mitigating noise silencers that will reduce the overall footprint of the building.

Achieving a Successful Outcome:

  • NXL completed the detailed BOD document that supported York’s successful funding application under the Federal Knowledge Infrastructure Program.
  • The project schedule was optimized to achieve concept to completion in 18 months allowing occupancy before the start of the 2011 academic year in late summer.
  • We placed exhaust systems on the roof, and supply air systems in the basement, minimizing the floor area allocated to internal vertical service chases.
  • Minimized rooftop equipment maintained clear views from the adjacent observatory.

The 200,000 sf. facility will be a showcase for York’s world-class health science researchers should a proposed future medical school come to fruition. By investing the $70M total project cost to design, build and fit-out this facility with state-of the-art equipment, York will significantly augment the efforts in the recruitment and retention of top-calibre researchers.