Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area has received the Urban Design Award from the City of Oshawa for the second time – this time for the new residence and academic building, which opened in fall of 2021.  

“I am so very pleased that the City of Oshawa has chosen to recognize our new residence and academic building with this award. I am always proud to show off this beautiful space which is an important step in building our campus culture and identity,” said Dr. Scott Henderson, dean and head of Trent University Durham GTA. “This spectacular building allows our students to live and learn on campus, making it their home and shaping our community. This award recognizes the place Trent Durham has in the overall community: a beautiful landmark of the region, and a centre of learning and space of engagement for the broader Oshawa and Durham communities.” 

The new Durham residence and academic building, previously a winner of an Ontario Concrete Award, has become the second building on the Durham campus to receive the Urban Design Award from the City of Oshawa. In 2012, the Thornton Road Campus building received the award for its bright, welcoming design. Both buildings were designed by the architectural firm Barry Bryan Associates.  

On why the building was selected for an award, Mayor Dan Carter of Oshawa had this to say: ""We wanted to recognize this particular project not only because of its beauty but also because of all the relationships that made it happen and what that means to our City.  When we think about this piece of property and what it was prior to, it is clear that something great has been accomplished here, something to be proud of.” 

The new residence building features modern living spaces for 200 students, classrooms, community spaces and common areas. The eye-catching building anchors the Durham campus in the Oshawa community, being clearly visible from the road and features prominently in the local landscape. Design cues were taken from nature, with the building mimicking the natural flowing motion of the nearby Oshawa Creek, large windows for a bright, naturally lit interior, and an open green space outside the building. Students can seamlessly live where they learn in the residence which has been designed as a holistic integration of academic success and overall wellbeing.  

"This award comes on behalf of our whole city - the relationship that we have with Trent is a vital partnership, not only today but into the future,” said Dan Carter, Mayor of Oshawa. “This isn't only about Trent being part of Oshawa or Oshawa being a part of Trent, this is about a true partnership between your institutional leadership and our city.” 

To learn more or schedule a tour of the Trent Durham campus, visit the Durham residence website.