University of Toronto Plans Major Campus Research Hub
The University of Toronto, also known as U of T, has revealed the design for the Temerty Building, a major new academic and research facility set to transform the heart of its St. George campus. Designed by MVRDV and Diamond Schmitt in collaboration with Indigenous practice Two Row Architect, the project will replace the outdated west wing of the existing Medical Sciences Building and establish a new center for health research, teaching, and campus life.
Positioned at Kingโs College Road and Kingโs College Circle opposite Convocation Hall, the nine-storey, 388,000 sq ft facility dedicates nearly 60% of its area to research. It will unite the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Arts & Science, supporting specialized labs for infectious disease research, aquatic disease models, and advanced medical education. Shared spaces and informal meeting zones are planned to encourage collaboration between researchers, students, and faculty, with corridor links maintaining connections to the broader medical campus.
Design and Public Realm
Lower floors include flexible communal areas and multi-purpose spaces for intellectual exchange, public interaction, and ceremonial events. MVRDV founding partner Nathalie de Vries described the project as creating โproductive frictionโ where generous communal spaces forge connections. Inspired by Torontoโs escarpments, the sculptural form uses large transparent areas and an open ground level to reconnect the site to the landscape, restoring views and access closed for nearly 50 years. Diamond Schmitt principal Donald Schmitt noted the balance of durability, functionality, warmth, and openness.Lower floors include flexible communal areas and multi-purpose spaces for intellectual exchange, public interaction, and ceremonial events. MVRDV founding partner Nathalie de Vries described the project as creating โproductive frictionโ where generous communal spaces forge connections. Inspired by Torontoโs escarpments, the sculptural form uses large transparent areas and an open ground level to reconnect the site to the landscape, restoring views and access closed for nearly 50 years. Diamond Schmitt principal Donald Schmitt noted the balance of durability, functionality, warmth, and openness.
Two Row Architect brings an Indigenous design lens rooted in designing with the land rather than simply building on it. Erik Skouris of Two Row Architect said the project is guided by original laws and teachings that shape how communities live and care for one another, moving beyond technical performance toward a deeper cultural relationship with place. This approach informs material selection, spatial planning, and landscape integration for the Front Campus gateway.
The Temerty Building continues the MVRDV and Diamond Schmitt partnership at U of T following the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health, scheduled for late 2026. Replacing the 1969 west wing of the Medical Sciences Building, the new facility delivers flexible, future-ready lab and teaching space critical for Canadian health research infrastructure. For architects and developers, it signals institutional investment in high-performance science interiors and civic-minded campus real estate. Find more details via University of Toronto.
