Revitalizing York University’s Classrooms

York University was facing the growing challenge of an aging classroom inventory. As the third largest university in Canada, York had 282 common pool classrooms – most of which dated back to the 1970s. These outdated spaces no longer supported the university’s evolving pedagogical goals or the diverse needs of its student population. The infrastructure was misaligned with York’s commitment to more dynamic, inclusive, and student-centred learning environments.

To address this, the university engaged Architecture Counsel (ACi) to lead a comprehensive renewal initiative focused on improving teaching quality, accessibility, and space functionality across its two campuses.

Classrooms continue to be the most essential space type in a university and, as such, need to reflect the values of their institution. These values range from pedagogical intent and an appropriate mix of room types to flexibility, accessibility, and seamless integration of AV technologies.

ACi brought expertise in navigating complex, multi-phase initiatives from pre-design to implementation. A comprehensive stakeholder consultation process was central to the approach, focused on improving the student experience while balancing technical and operational considerations. Input from these engagements shaped the development of a forward-looking design standard that supports a broad range of teaching and learning styles through flexible, comfortable, and technologically equipped environments.

The Classroom Renewal Program comprises three interconnected components: 1. Classroom Audit; 2. Design Standard; and 3. Renewal Plan.

These were consolidated into a three-volume framework to guide both long-term planning and project delivery. ACi conducted an extensive classroom audit and developed a detailed inventory database that informed space typologies, renewal priorities, and a cohesive design standard.

To bring the plan to life, York re-engaged ACi to design and implement a multi-phase renewal of 32 classrooms. Phase 1 – completed in 2025 – delivered eight reimagined teaching spaces, including tiered and flat-floor classrooms and a fixed-seating lecture hall. These spaces were designed in close coordination with engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of AV systems, infrastructure, and pedagogical intent – setting a new standard for the university’s teaching environments.