Credits

Creative Director: Raymond Cheah RGD

Strategist: Catherine Riddell

Strategic Planner: Shilpa Gantotti

Website Developer, Photographer/Videographer: Roberta Baker

Graffiti Artists: Jason Wing (a.k.a. SKAM), Alex Lazich (a.k.a. Bacon), Aleksandrs Popelavskis

Media Relations: RJ Taylor

Description

The goal of this project was to spark and sustain the conversation about the CEIE over the course of the two years between the groundbreaking and grand opening (2017), and to reflect U of T’s connection to its urban environment. The 276 feet of hoarding surrounding the construction site became the canvas for a creative collaboration with renowned Toronto-based graffiti artist Jason Wing (a.k.a. SKAM). Imagery was selected that would strategically represent the spirit of the Faculty, highlighting symbols of tradition, innovation, professional diversity and student involvement.

The in-house designer brought these components together to form a coherent blueprint for the mural — which SKAM brought to life — creating the longest single street art installation in Toronto. The hoarding’s utility on an active construction site was an important consideration, as crew access points would require a design that would remain meaningful, even when panels were removed. Given these parameters, a tremendous amount of planning went into the design.

The project generated considerable media attention and has become a point of celebration and pride for alumni, students and the entire U of T community. It has been featured in everything from alumni magazines and student-run newspapers to being included as a stop on campus tours for prospective students.

In-House Design Awards 2016