29 Jan 2026

ARIDO Award: York University Markham Campus

The vertical campus optimizes the small site while enhancing urban density to compliment current and future developments in the region. Interconnected, multi-storey spaces offer varied opportunities for student interaction, creating a dynamic collegial community.

Category: LEARN

Interior Designer: Iva Radikova, ARIDO
Design Firm: Diamond Schmitt Architects
Design Team: Greg Parsons, ARIDO; Robin Zhao, ARIDO

Photographer: Tom Arban

Another view of the entrance atrium, with large floor to ceiling windows on one side and store front on the other side of the hallway

In addition to the atrium skylights that flood the core with natural light, strategic daylighting is incorporated in open lounge areas catering to solo and group study located along the perimeter of the plan and around the central atrium, animating the interior programming.

A quiet area of the atrium space featuring a practical millwork seating element

Faculty office reception with wavy feature hanging from the ceiling, and underneath it is a white and wood finish curved reception desk

Taking cues from the local urban streetscape, using cantilevers, curves, and bronze-anodized aluminum panels establishes a distinct architectural presence for the University while creating fluid, interactive spaces that reinforce the diversity of programs, teaching and research that takes place within.

A lounge area adjacent to the atrium, with read lounge chairs and neutral flooring, and above is a slated detail on the ceiling above the lounge area

The York University Markham Campus (YUMC) supports and strengthens the university’s goal of creating a campus that is accessible, connected, impactful, and fosters academic excellence.

Text by: The Interior Designer

Connect with us