The project is located on a prominent city-owned site in the East Bayfront-West Precinct at the edge of Lake Ontario. As one of Waterfront Toronto’s major initiatives, the public advocate and steward of the city’s waterfront revitalization, the project had to be designed in compliance with stringent urban design guidelines, inclusive of objectives for street level animation, mixed-uses, sustainable design and architectural excellence.

The vision to consolidate George Brown’s schools of Dental Health, Health and Wellness, Health Services Management and Nursing in a single, purpose-designed facility is consistent with the endorsed precinct plan. The program encompasses institutional, education and employment uses, as well as selected retail and community services. With a student enrolment of 3,500 students, 500 faculty, continuing education and clinical programs this new campus is an anchor in the overall revitalization of the waterfront and will be a catalyst for animating this evolving precinct of the city.

Vertical Integrated Academic Campus
The overarching vision of the campus is to realize the IPE, defined by a flexible/adaptable environment where students from the different healthcare programs can learn with, from and about each other, the value of collaboration and its positive impact on quality of care. The physical manifestation of the concept is achieved through a transparent, vertically integrated campus that supports a multiplicity of learning, training and collegial experiences.
The massing and orientation respond to the unique conditions of its natural and urban geography, and incorporates an appreciation for its rich and storied industrial and maritime heritage. The overall composition is grounded by a flexible academic loft bar building along the west side. On the south and east sides, the massing is defined by a highly transparent and animated podium element connecting intimately to the lake and the park. Above this, the articulated forms of the library and large lecture halls act as beacons and symbols of George Brown College at the waterfront. The high degree of transparency ensures an energetic symbol of student activity engaging the the lake and the park and further facilitates the penetration of light to the park. The emphasis on horizontality – form and expression - mitigates the vertical impact of the complex on the Lakefront site.