York University has selected Hariri Pontarini Architects to perform design work on its new stand-alone art gallery.

The university announced on November 25 that it had selected the Toronto-based firm from among a group of three on a shortlist. An online design competition invited community members from York faculty and students to extended community members to attend and comment on the shortlisted proposals before a committee selected the winning design.

The university says the winning design will help the Art Gallery of York University (AGYU) magnify its reach into the local community and the world beyond, enhancing its visibility and prominence, as well as increasing its accessibility.

“The gallery will be an important hub for artistic engagement and the pursuit of creative excellence at the University, in our community and beyond,” said York University president and vice-chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “The new design reflects our vision of an accessible and collaborative art gallery that serves as a space for creation, exhibition and appreciation of diverse art and culture.”

The new, three-storey building will highlight architectural innovativeness and define a space for the exhibition of contemporary and historic art, including a ground level event space with four separate gallery spaces set within a redefined xeriscape garden.

The gallery will sit at the heart of the School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design and become a centerpiece at York’s Keele Campus. It will be located steps away from the York University subway station and adjacent to the Harry W. Arthurs Common.

“The AGYU has a long history as a leader in presenting and supporting artists. As a contemporary art gallery, it strives to serve an aesthetic and social function,” says AGYU director/curator Jenifer Papararo. “Our goal with this ambitious new building is to establish both liveness and legacy by maintaining a critical contemporary art program and giving prominence to the university’s collection.”

The university chose the design presented by Hariri Pontarini Architects for its visual strength and vision to generate flow and connection while centering the arts on campus. The design expressed a nuanced understanding of art, its role in society, and the framework needed to support art and the curatorial process.

Also shortlisted for design on the project were Moriyama and Teshima Architects and gh3*. All three firms have received Governor General Medals in Architecture.

The AGYU opened in 1988 and moved into its current 3,000-square-foot space in 2006. The gallery’s collection contains 1,700 works, including works by Andy Warhol.