UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO INSTITUTE OF AEROSPACE SCIENCE, MICROSATELLITE & TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

The vision of the project is to create a new microsatellite science and technology centre for the University of Toronto Institute of Aerospace Studies that will become the state-of-the-art networking hub for the development and research for nano and microsatellites for space across Canada.

The new building addition consists of two distinct separate but yet physically and visually connected areas. The lab area will accommodate the assembly and testing of microsatellites while the other area will be dedicated to the design, development and the monitoring of microsatellites after their mission launches. A buffer space between the existing and the new building addition will be created to minimize the costs of the full engagement of the new and existing building structures. A sheltered link will connect the two buildings for convenience.

The curvilinear roof of the building takes the shape of a larger air foil making reference to aeronautic shapes typical in aircrafts and its singularity recalls that all satellites are singular form objects housing sophisticated and precise instruments. To minimize the impact to the existing green area on site, the new building addition will occupy an existing paved oversized parking and loading area adjacent to the existing building. Passive solar strategy is incorporated into the design of the new building addition. Daylight and solar gain is maximized during the winter and vice versa during the summer seasons by careful deployment of roof overhangs and shading devices.