Introducing TMU’s School of Medicine
In a bold move, Toronto Metropolitan University has unveiled its new School of Medicine, brilliantly repurposed from the former Bramalea Civic Centre. Designed by Canadian firm Diamond Schmitt, this first phase infuses contemporary academic flair into the 1970s structure, harmoniously blending wood-clad elements with striking blue accents.
Design Inspired by Nature and Culture
The redesign champions openness and transparency while preserving the building’s original civic grandeur. Senior associate Haley Zhou of Diamond Schmitt explained that inspiration was drawn from local ecologies, infusing new life into the space. The partnership with Two Row Architect, an Indigenous-owned studio, enriches this vision by integrating the region’s natural and cultural landscapes.
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A Space for Connection and Learning
Central to the design is a large atrium, envisioned as a communal gathering spot for students, faculty, and community members. Wood fins wrapping the structural columns and entry canopy evoke the towering pines of nearby Chinguacousy Park, while an Ojibwe star map graces the ceiling. Original floor tiles intermingle with new designs reflecting the structure of a Wampum belt.
Phase One: Bringing Healthcare and Education Together
The project’s initial phase focuses on the building’s south wing, including a ground-floor primary care clinic offering essential services to locals. Above, flexible classrooms accommodate diverse teaching styles, supporting in-person, hybrid, and asynchronous learning. A library and informal learning spaces offer both quiet study and collaborative environments.
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A uniquely designed round room has been dedicated to Indigenous smudging ceremonies and intimate gatherings. Plans for the second phase involve completing academic and faculty areas in the building’s north wing for enhanced research and administrative support.
Extending Civic Purpose
Senior associate Dennis Giobbe emphasized the project’s commitment to maintaining the building’s public purpose. By transforming it into a center of medical learning and care, the TMU School of Medicine eliminates barriers and fosters equitable community access.
Diamond Schmitt’s expertise extends beyond this project; they are also celebrated for designing the New Brunswick Museum in Saint John and renovating New York Philharmonic’s David Geffen Hall, with photography captured by Tom Arban Photography.
Sources & Links
Source: dezeen.com