The Multi-Faith Centre at the University of Toronto accommodates spiritual and faith-based practices, encouraging interfaith dialogue and spiritual development as part of campus life. The space is a uniquely versatile venue in which people of all faiths feel equally welcome and equally valued. Selective alterations to the existing interior create ‘faith-neutral’ spaces that provide sanctuary and retreat for all people, creating opportunities for interfaith dialogue and study.
‘Light’ (spiritual and metaphysical) emerged as a common theme to all faiths and became the central feature of the main facility hall. A dramatic ceiling and front wall of backlit translucent white onyx panels illuminate the space, panelized according to sacred numerology and geometries to create a ceiling mosaic that subtly references the religious structure of all faiths. Innovative interior elements further allow different faith groups to adapt spaces quickly to suit their particular needs and events. The incorporation of a beautiful green bio wall in the meditation room satisfied the spiritual desire for a connection to nature, and works to enhance humidification and air quality, thus reducing the mechanical loads on the building — a living wall that cleanses air and, hopefully, the human spirit.
The stakeholder engagement process for the Multifaith Centre at the University of Toronto was crucial in ensuring that the final product would serve its intended purpose: to be a place where students and faculty of all faiths would feel welcomed, represented, and valued. This was a project with significant sensitivity given its religious and spiritual context; therefore, a thorough, inclusive, and iterative stakeholder engagement strategy was vital. The initial step involved identifying all potential stakeholders. Given the multifaceted nature of the project, this ranged from students, faculty, and staff from various faith groups, administrative personnel of the University of Toronto, architectural and design teams, and other community members.
The design team established a consultation committee, comprised of representatives from every major faith group on campus. This committee acted as the primary liaison between the university community and the design team, ensuring that every faith's perspectives, concerns, and needs were being communicated. The consultation process also involved a series of listening tours and focus groups were conducted, wherein students and faculty members were invited to share their perspectives on what they envisioned for the Multifaith Centre. These sessions provided an open forum for dialogue and gave participants the opportunity to voice concerns, desires, and suggestions for the project. Our team organized design charrettes and workshops, inviting both the consultation committee and other stakeholders. These sessions aimed at brainstorming design ideas, receiving feedback on preliminary concepts, and iterating based on this input.
As design concepts evolved, they were presented to stakeholders for review. Feedback was collected, documented, and integrated into subsequent designs. This iterative process ensured the evolving design remained in line with stakeholder needs and expectations and once a more concrete design was developed, it was displayed in public exhibitions, allowing a broader range of university and community members to view the plans, offer feedback, and ask questions.
Once the project was complete, the university and the design team hosted an inauguration ceremony for the Centre, recognizing the collaborative effort behind its realization. This event celebrated not just the physical space but the unity and mutual respect the project fostered among diverse stakeholders.
