Christensen & Co Architects collaborates with Canadian Educational institutions
Through a partnership with Trade Council in Toronto, the Danish company Christensen & Co Architects (CCO) has made its mark in the Canadian market. This has led to a partnership between CCO and the University of Toronto, with the architecture firm beginning the design process for a large sustainable student housing project on the university's Mississauga campus in 2021.
Demand for student housing opened doors
In recent years, Toronto has experienced a growing demand for on-campus student housing due to high population influx and rising rental prices. In 2020, CCO, in collaboration with Montgomery Sisam Architects in Toronto, won a competition to design a six-story, 10,800-square-meter building to house 400 students. In addition to accommodating students, CCO focused on promoting social interactions and strengthening the sense of belonging in the building’s design. The aim is to contribute to residents' well-being and overall academic success.
We see a trend in higher education where the Danish tradition of using architecture to optimize the learning environment and support users' well-being and experience of buildings is in demand. We are experiencing a great need to activate unused areas and design facilities that encourage interaction between students and academic staff, so students are active, engaged, and feel welcomed on campus,
CCO’s international portfolio and unique expertise in designing innovative learning environments with a human-centred approach were key factors in securing the project at the University of Toronto. In addition to spaces for social interactions, the new building is designed to optimize natural light and include sustainable solutions such as solar panels, smart lighting, efficient water fixtures, and a focus on material preservation, acoustics, and indoor climate.
The project is expected to be completed in 2026 and will enable the university to offer housing to first-year students, where demand for student accommodation has traditionally exceeded supply.
Collaboration with the Trade Council
According to CCO, the Trade Council played an active role in the company's establishment in the Canadian market by facilitating the initial contact between the company and the University of Toronto back in 2019.
The Trade Council’s local knowledge was a great help in arranging meetings with potential local partners and public clients. Through the Trade Council, we gained a better understanding of potential partners, clients, and Canadian culture. The professional approach and values represented by Danish society are highly valued in the Canadian market
In addition to facilitating meetings, the Trade Council provided valuable insights into local housing needs and demand and opened doors to relevant stakeholders. These insights helped CCO adapt their design to Canadian standards and norms, creating a solid foundation for the company's success.
Danish strengths have potential in the canadian market
Canadian universities are increasingly prioritizing green transition and investing in sustainable buildings - an area where Danish companies excel. The universities particularly focus on climate goals, CO2 reduction, energy efficiency, and human-centred design.
Through years of presence in Canada, the Trade Council has built close connections with several significant Canadian educational institutions. These relationships and the demand for green solutions have helped open doors for CCO and other Danish companies, says Ailish Dunn, Junior Commercial Advisor at the Trade Council in Toronto:
Due to the similarities between Canadian and Danish values, CCO Architects chose to enter Canada. CCO Architects are known in Denmark/Europa for their design of university and cultural buildings. The Trade Council’s strong connections and sector-specific guidance helped CCO Architects navigate the Canadian market and establish connections with educational institutions, enabling CCO Architects to become part of the Canadian urban development sector
According to CCO Architecture, the company aims to continue expanding its work within student housing, learning facilities and faculty offices in Canada. Their continued collaboration with the Trade Council has included market- and sector analyses, as well as business development strategies focused on sustainable student housing and university campuses in Ontario. This has led to market visits to over 15 educational institutions in Ontario and new business opportunities for the Danish architecture firm.