Diamond Schmitt transforms Bramalea Civic Centre into TMU School of Medicine
Phase one of the new School of Medicine at Toronto Metropolitan University has been finalized by Diamond Schmitt, transforming the former Bramalea Civic Centre, a brutalist building from the 1970s, into a modern educational facility. This initiative includes a public primary care clinic on the ground level, while adaptable classrooms occupy the upper floors. The design incorporates wooden structural columns inspired by the towering pines of nearby Chinguacousy Park, features an Ojibwe star map on the ceiling, and preserves floor tiles adorned with patterns reminiscent of a Wampum belt. Collaboration with Indigenous-owned studio Two Row Architect was part of the project. A central atrium acts as a communal area, with phase two set to enhance academic and faculty spaces in the north wing.
Key facts
- Diamond Schmitt completed phase one of TMU School of Medicine.
- The project adapts the former Bramalea Civic Centre, a 1970s brutalist building.
- The ground floor includes a public primary care clinic.
- Wood-clad columns evoke the tall pines of Chinguacousy Park.
- An Ojibwe star map covers the ceiling.
- Original floor tiles were preserved and interwoven with Wampum belt-inspired patterns.
- Diamond Schmitt collaborated with Indigenous-owned Two Row Architect.
- Phase two will complete the north wing for research and administration.
Entities
Artists
- Haley Zhou
- Dennis Giobbe
Institutions
- Diamond Schmitt
- Toronto Metropolitan University
- Two Row Architect
- MVRDV
- University of Toronto
- New Brunswick Museum
- New York Philharmonic
- David Geffen Hall
- Tom Arban Photography
- Dezeen
Locations
- Toronto
- Canada
- Chinguacousy Park
- Saint John
- New York
Sources
- Dezeen —