The Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Building at York University opened on January 14th, 20 years ago!

One of Ontario’s largest buildings for academic collaboration between a university and college, TEL was designed by Moriyama Teshima Architects as a series of rich spatial experiences that underline York University and Seneca College’s commitment to active learning experiences. At the time, the 360,000 sqft building was the most technologically advanced facility in the province, featuring wireless communications, multi-media lecture halls, and computer laboratories. Transparency, soaring space, dramatic circulation paths, and precise detailing are key design features of the TEL Building, allowing natural light to penetrate the building, animating pristine surfaces of concrete, maple, limestone, glass, and stainless steel with an interplay of shade and shadow.

Speaking of the TEL Building when it was first opened on campus, Lorna Marsden (then President & Vice-Chancellor of York University) stated:

“The light, the space, the flow of people—it is quite wonderful. Looking at that huge block of building [MTA] had to create, I must admit that I did not think it could ever be this good.”