November 6, 2023

November 6, 2023 – Diamond Schmitt and MVRDV reveal the design of the new building for the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health (SAMIH) at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Campus (UTSC).

SAMIH combines flexible laboratory spaces, classrooms, and offices for the university with functions that bridge the gap between the university and the community such as a psychology clinic and a pharmacy. These amenities sit on either side of a five-storey atrium that opens up towards the exterior, creating a dynamic new building at the gateway of the campus. These amenities sit on either side of a five-storey atrium that opens up towards the exterior, creating a dynamic new building at the gateway of the campus. The building’s façade is wrapped in Building Integrated Photovoltaics that will help power the building, while positively contributing to its appearance.

“The design of SAMIH is one that is focused on healing. Not only in its role as a place of integrated health education, medical education and research, and commitment to healing people, but to envisioning an architecture that is healing for the environment,” says Diamond Schmitt Principal, Don Schmitt. “Our vision is about creating community, between students, faculty and those that will use the building, and with the academy’s greater surroundings.”

In addition to the SAMIH building, Diamond Schmitt and MVRDV are also working on the Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s new James and Louise Temerty Building, at the University of Toronto’s St. George campus in downtown Toronto. The design process is underway, with the team focusing on equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion. The spaces in between the building’s main programme – the building’s “connective tissues” – will also play an important role in encouraging faculty members, learners, and staff to interact and share ideas.

Read the full press release here.