June 23, 2026

Phase one of Toronto Metropolitan University's new School of Medicine is featured on Dezeen in an article by Dan Howarth. 

The project transforms the former Bramalea Civic Centre into a contemporary academic environment that integrates medical education with a public primary care clinic. The adaptive reuse of the original 1970s brutalist structure introduces light, openness and transparency while retaining its civic presence — centred on a large atrium for students, faculty, and community to gather and connect. 

"When we looked to transform the former civic building into a place of healing and learning, we drew inspiration from local ecologies as way to bring new life to the space," said Senior Associate Haley Zhou.

Collaborating with Indigenous-owned studio Two Row Architect, the design references the natural and cultural landscape of the region. Structural columns and entry canopy are wrapped in wood fins evoking the tall pines of nearby Chinguacousy Park — whose name translates from Ojibwe as "Land of Tall Pines." An Ojibwe star map covers the atrium ceiling, while portions or the original floor tile is interwoven with new patterns influences by the structure of a Wampum belt.

The south wing houses a ground-floor primary provides essential health services to local residents in the form of a primary care clinic. Highly flexible classrooms above support in-person, hybrid, and asynchronous learning. Off the atrium, a library offers spaces for quiet and collaborative study alongside informal learning areas, while a round room is dedicated to Indigenous smudging ceremonies and smaller gatherings.

"By transforming a former civic building into a place of medical learning and care, the project extends the building's original public purpose modernising the space to remove barriers, advance equitable access, and create an inviting environment for the community," said Senior Associate Dennis Giobbe.

Read the full article at Dezeen.