The University of Toronto (U of T) has selected the architects for the new James and Louise Temerty Building, with Canadian architect, Diamond Schmitt, and Netherlands-based, MVRDV, making the cut through a competitive international request-for-proposal (RFP) process.
The project to replace the west wing of the Medical Sciences Building of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, aims to provide state-of-the-art teaching and research spaces while fostering collaboration and interdisciplinary work. The architects will prioritize equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion throughout the design process, aiming to create a welcoming environment for all individuals.
The arhcitects will collaborate with Two Row Architect to incorporate Indigenous knowledge and decolonization principles. Engaging Indigenous communities surrounding the St. George campus will inform the building’s orientation and navigation, considering diverse perspectives and ways of knowing. The accessibility consultant, Level Playing Field, will also be involved in the design process, as well as relevant engineers and trade professionals.
The James and Louise Temerty Building will be developed using an integrated project delivery method, encouraging all parties involved to work together as a cohesive team. This approach enables cost control, minimizes duplication, and facilitates early problem identification.
The project aligns with U of T’s Climate Positive plan and will incorporate a new district energy Nodal Plant to provide heating and cooling. The building contributes to the campus’s goal of achieving climate positivity by 2050 through local renewable energy generation.
The groundbreaking for the Temerty Building is expected to take place as early as 2025, coinciding with U of T’s Landmark Project’s completion in Fall 2023. The James and Louise Temerty Building is scheduled to open in 2028.
“We’re excited to work with a faculty utterly committed to excellence in training future generations of physicians, health professionals and researchers,” says Donald Schmitt, principal architect at Diamond Schmitt Architects. “It’s inspiring to contribute to spaces that will help lead to better health outcomes for people over time.”
