Open Space Master Plan, St. George Campus

University of Toronto, ON

Project Facts

  • Client

    University of Toronto

  • Location

    Toronto, ON

  • Status

    Completed 2001

  • Partner

This award winning Master Plan seeks to create a sense of place for the campus and to distinguish it from the surrounding urban fabric, while also recognizing that it is an integral part of the city core. It also attempts to re-establish a balance between the pedestrian and architectural elements of the campus, and to reduce the volume of automobile traffic. Street design, based on an understanding of the differing character and roles of the various campus corridors, establishes a distinctive University of Toronto presence. Revitalization of a number of the academic buildings improves space and enhances connections between the buildings and the streets.


As part of a team, Siamak Hariri consulted with the University community, and examined the spaces around and between buildings on campus; the central green spaces, gateways and pathways; and the 20 intersections where the campus meets the city. The resulting Open Space Master Plan recommended specific and detailed revitalization actions, to be carried out within a coherent, unifying framework.

Project Facts

  • Client

    University of Toronto

  • Location

    Toronto, ON

  • Status

    Completed 2001

  • Partner

Select Awards

  • 2001 – American Society of Landscape Architects

  • 2001 – City of Toronto Architecture and Urban Design Awards, Award of Excellence—Visions and Master Plans

  • 2001 – Canadian Society of Landscape Architects Professional Awards of Excellence, National Merit

StGeorgeCampus Row1

Realizing the important relationships between physical, social, and academic environments that were lacking within the existing campus, the University initiated a consultation and planning process that culminated in a targeted action plan to improve the campus landscape. 

StGeorgeCampus Row2

Realizing the important relationships between physical, social, and academic environments that were lacking within the existing campus, the University initiated a consultation and planning process that culminated in a targeted action plan to improve the campus landscape. 

StGeorgeCampus Row3A
StGeorgeCampus Row3B
StGeorgeCampus Row4
“Having walked the University of Toronto campus several times, we applaud the University for commissioning a master plan that would unify the campus through a comprehensive landscape strategy.”
— Peter Ellis, Jury Comments, Toronto Architecture and Urban Design Awards 2001
“Having walked the University of Toronto campus several times, we applaud the University for commissioning a master plan that would unify the campus through a comprehensive landscape strategy.”
— Peter Ellis, Jury Comments, Toronto Architecture and Urban Design Awards 2001

Select Awards

  • 2001 – American Society of Landscape Architects

  • 2001 – City of Toronto Architecture and Urban Design Awards, Award of Excellence—Visions and Master Plans

  • 2001 – Canadian Society of Landscape Architects Professional Awards of Excellence, National Merit