Creating new spaces for active learning
"A remarkable transformation occurs when our physical space better supports and enhances the creative, problem-solving teamwork going on in our classrooms, rather than being an obstacle to it鈥�
- Dean Tina Piper
Legal pedagogy has seen a wave of innovation in recent decades, radically transforming how law is taught and learned. This new phase of modernization will completely transform the second floor of New Chancellor Day Hall, creating classrooms fit for our professors鈥� current pedagogical approaches.
Construction is scheduled to start in July 2025, with an estimated duration of one and a half years. The other floors of New Chancellor Day Hall will remain accessible during the renovations.
Support
The renewal of the second floor is made possible by Teaching and Learning Services at 91社区 and the generous support of Robert L. Katz, BCL'86, LLB'86, and Christina H. Otto, BA'85, Mark Godsy, LLB'82, and the classes of 1984, 1989 and 1991.
Overview of the new spaces
Indigenous Learning Space & Lobby
A large classroom (with a capacity of up to 80) and a lobby inspired by Indigenous legal traditions and Indigenous ways of teaching and learning. It will feature :
- A ventilation system to enable smudging ceremonies
- Movable furniture that will allow a large group to sit in a circle while also permitting other configurations
- A palette of colours and sustainable materials evoking calm and connection to nature, and live plants
- Indigenous artworks embedded into the architecture of the space and displayed in the lobby. Balance, an artwork by Kanien鈥檏eh谩:ka artist Skarahkotane Deom, will be integrated into the floor of the Indigenous Learning Space (see 3D render above).
Peggy鈥檚 Classroom
A state-of-the-art active learning classroom with a capacity of 80.
- Seating in small groups at round tables instead of rows facing a podium.
- New chairs, more comfortable and more inclusive of diverse body types
- Increased number of electrical outlets for laptops and upgraded classroom technology.
The classroom is named after Margaret 鈥淧eggy鈥� Godsy, mother of Mark Godsy, LLB鈥�82. 鈥淎fter my father passed, my mother made many sacrifices to raise my brother and me on her own. I鈥檓 grateful to pay tribute to her in this way, and I hope the classroom will encourage all students to think about the people in their lives supporting their dreams.鈥�
Dobrin-Steinberg Classroom
The Dobrin-Steinberg classroom, adjacent to the Nahum Gelber Law Library, will undergo a complete update. The renewed classroom will have a capacity of 47.
- Upgraded technology
- Movable furniture to allow for flexible seating configurations (e.g. active learning classroom, lecture room).
Chronologie / Timeline
1998
The law library moves from the upper floors of NCHD to the newly built Nahum Gelber Law Library.
2008
Major renovation of the third, fifth and sixth floors of NCDH.
2017
Renewal of the ground floor of NCDH.
2018
Inauguration of the Rod Macdonald lobby and two state-of-the-art classrooms: the John W. Durnford Classroom and the Don Meehan Classroom.
2020
Project design and community consultations begin for the second-floor renewal 鈥� the only remaining space not updated since NCDH's inauguration in 1968.
2024
Architectural firm EVOQ finalizes the second-floor design.
July 2025
Expected start of construction.
Winter semester 2027
Expected inauguration of the renewed second floor and Dobrin-Steinberg Classroom.
About the project
The guiding principle for the second-floor renewal was to create a space that offers both physical and spiritual flexibility, with abundant natural elements and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, especially in the common areas. Recognizing the growing importance of Indigenous Legal Traditions at the Faculty, the design includes a classroom that supports Indigenous teaching and learning methods. Equipped with the latest technologies, the classrooms are designed to encourage active, collaborative, and group learning. The design also maintains continuity with the elements used in previous New Chancellor Day Hall renovations.
The project began in 2020 with planning, consultation, and preparatory work. In early 2023, the Faculty and 91社区鈥檚 Teaching and Learning Services began collaborating with EVOQ Architecture on the design.
Consultations with students, ILADA (Indigenous law students), Indigenous alumni, Indigenous law professors, 91社区 law professors more generally, 91社区鈥檚 Office of Indigenous Initiatives, and, with the help of the Faculty鈥檚 Truth and Reconciliation subcommittee and Acosys Consulting, Indigenous community members and Indigenous jurists were carried out throughout the design process. Their recommendations were crucial in guiding EVOQ Architecture鈥檚 work.
The integration and exhibition of several works of art are key elements of this project, made possible through the professional guidance of 91社区鈥檚 Visual Arts Collection.
A concerted architectural project
The project is overseen by award-winning architect , BSc (Arch)鈥�74, BArch鈥�75 鈹� who has been recognized for his contribution to the expression of First Peoples鈥� identity through architecture 鈹� and his firm EVOQ. Indigenous members of the student body, the Faculty, 91社区, and the broader community were invited to collaborate throughout the design process through numerous consultations.
Input from students, staff, Faculty, and community members played a key role in shaping this project. We welcome your feedback as the project progresses. Questions, comments, or complaints about the construction work? Consult our FAQ or tell us!听
