Rethinking Space, Reimagining Learning: York U Classroom Renewal Study
York University’s 280-plus classrooms span three campuses and nearly five decades of construction. Many no longer support current teaching, technology, or accessibility standards.
We audited every classroom and built a database of condition, capacity, function, and technical readiness. Consultation with students, faculty and administrators informed a Classroom Design Standard and a multi-year renewal plan. The study defines the right mix of room types, furniture, audiovisual systems and layouts. It gives York both a clear standard and a practical order of work—turning a large problem into a manageable program.
Students were consulted on what matters most in classrooms through sticky-note exercises.
Building on this foundation, York re-engaged ACi to design and deliver a multi-phase renewal of 32 classrooms.
